For Catherine :)

Cream of Tomato and Basil Soup

From La Dolce Vegan, by the lovely Sarah Kramer :)

-1 small red onion
-1 tbsp. olive oil
-1/2 cup vegetable stock
-14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
-1/2 tsp. salt
-1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
-1 cup "milk"
-1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
-1 tbsp. maple syrup

In soup pot on medium heat, saute the onion in oil until translucent. Add the stock, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover with lid and simmer for 6-8 minutes. Stir in the "milk", basil and maple syrup. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.

You can serve it with some crusty bread and a salad, and can use up some leftover rice by tossing it in the soup.

Yum!