Light & Tasty Tomato Basil Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups chopped seeded peeled tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium tomato juice
1/3 cup fresh basil leaf
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
8 slices diagonally cut French baguettes (1/2 inch thick slices)

Preparation

Bring tomato and juice to a boil in a large saucepan.
Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.
Place tomato mixture and basil in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
Return pureed mixture to pan; stir in milk, salt, and pepper.
Add cream cheese, stirring well with a whisk, and cook over medium heat until thick (about 5 minutes).
Ladle soup into individual bowls; garnish with sliced basil, if desired.
Serve with bread.