FINALLY!!!!! The Best Homemade Tomato Soup!!!!

Who among us did not grow up with Campbell's Tomato Soup as a staple? A comfort food. Harkening memories of our childhood and beyond?

Ever since becoming a foodie, I have been searching for a homemade tomato soup to rival Campbell's. Something I could call my own. Something homemade with ingredients you could pronounce. Years and years and years of trying to end up with oh-so-that'll-do results.

And then I found it. This date will go down in my foodie history: February 1, 2011. Finally, a homemade tomato soup which, THANK GOODNESS, I have leftovers! And as if it couldn't get any better.....this is a crock pot soup recipe that you can throw in in the morning and finish off at dinner time. I served this with Dilly Cabbage Potatoes (see below), but next time I will only serve it with a really good artisan bread. This soup stands on its own. Excuse me, I think it's time for leftovers.

TOMATO BASIL PARMESAN SOUP (from www.365daysofcrockpot.com)

28 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup finely diced onions
1/2 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 Tbsp fresh oregano
1 Tbsp dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups half and half, warmed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large slow cooker, combine tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, bay leaf, oregano, and basil (****IF USING FRESH OREGANO AND BASIL; IF USING DRIED OREGANO AND BASIL ADD THOSE TWO INGREDIENTS IN THE LAST HOUR OF COOK TIME). Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours (I left it for 7 hours) until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About an hour before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour, stirring consistently with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup from the crock pot. Add another 3 cups soup and stir until smooth.

Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, S&P. Cover and cook on low for another hour until ready to serve. Garnish with Parmesan and freshly ground pepper to taste.