Tomato Basil Soup

I need reconstructive surgery on my feet. I decided to help the recovery time from surgery by eating as healthy as I possibly can. Oh yes the CHIP Program is healthy, but I was pushing the bread way to much, to many yummy foods that I need to cut back on. (like desserts) I need to get back on the fresh greens, and fresh fruit etc. as I know losing weight will help the recovery time.

If I where making this before my new resolution I probably would have put some soy creamer in this recipe at the last few minutes to make it more creamy

It actually was very good this way. This is a combination of several recipes, with some stuff left out.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth-low sodium



• 2-3 oz. of tomato paste-low sodium-go easy



• 3 cups fresh tomatoes-chopped, unpeeled



• Fresh basil rolled and cut in ribbons



• 1-2 clove garlic, crushed and minced



• 3 Tablespoon onion chopped



• 2 stalks celery=chopped



• 1 teaspoon garlic powder



• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano



• 1/4 teaspoon dried sweet basil



• pinch of marjoram



• 2 bay leaves



• 1 teaspoon or so of Agave Nectar



• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Saute onions, garlic, celery in a lightly sprayed pan.



2. Pour all ingredients except fresh basil in a food processor and blend.



3. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 25-30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves and blend with an immersion blender.

Serve hot with fresh basil on top.

Enjoy!!!!