YELLOW TOMATO SOUP WITH GOAT CHEESE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F.
• Place tomatoes, cut side down, in a greased 15x12x1 inch baking pan. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
• Bake at 400° F for 25-30 minutes or until tender and skins are charred.Cool slightly, then discard tomato skins.
• Process tomatoes in a blender until pureed, in batches if needed. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan or a saucepot, saute onion in remaining oil until tender. Add remaining garlic and saute 1 minute longer.
• Add broth and milk to pan and bring to a boil. Carefully stir in tomato puree. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Stir in cream and heat through--do not boil.
• While soup is simmering, make croutons. Place bread on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Bake at 400° F for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Spread toasts with pesto and sprinkle with goat cheese and pepper. Bake an additional 2 minutes.
• To serve, ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with 2 croutons.