Mamu'S Chunky Tomato Basil Bisque Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup celery, chopped
3/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup carrot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
28 ounces muir glen diced tomatoes
24 ounces v- 8 vegetable juice
6 ounces muir glen tomato paste
28 ounces muir glen crushed tomatoes
16 ounces muir glen tomatoes
16 ounces chicken broth
kosher salt
crushed pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 -3 tablespoons fresh basil, snipped
1 1 pint half-and-half cream or 1 pint fat-free half-and-half
2 -3 ounces heavy cream (optional)
4 ounces cream cheese

Preparation

Saute the veggies in butter and olive oil combo until softened. Add tomato ingredients and spices. Simmer for 3 to 6 hours. Adjust thickness with more chicken broth or tomatoes.
About 5-10 minutes before serving, add the cream and cream cheese.