Tomato Basil Soup with Caprese Sandwiches

I had this recipe at a baby shower the other day and enjoyed it so much I wanted to re-create it.   Here is my attempt (Not as good as yours Shelley, but pretty darn good if I do say so myself!)

Soup- Serves 10-12

• 2 cans Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 large can Campbells Condensed Tomato Soup
• Chicken stock (or broth)
• 1 1/2 heaping Tbls horseradish (from jar)
• 2 large dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large dashes of Tabasco sauce
• 1 1/2 large onions, diced
• 3-5 cloves garlic, minced (amount depends on how much you like garlic....I go for 5!)
• 2 Tbls butter
• 3 large handfuls of basil, chiffonaded and divided

1. Saute onions and garlic in butter until translucent.
2. Add cans of tomatoes, tomato soup, 1 1/2 handfuls of basil, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.  Taste-adjust last 3 ingredients as desired.
3. Let come to a boil and then simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Either blend with immersion blender, or blend in food processor/blender in batches until whole amount is pureed.
5. Add chicken stock/broth to get to desired consistency.  (I added about 3/4 cup-1 cup without measuring to get to a looser consistency slightly thinner than a stew).
6. Add remaining basil, bring back to low simmer, and enjoy!

(My husband and I ate some for dinner tonight and then I froze the rest for a work function in 2 weeks..yum!)

Sandwiches-serves 2

• 2 ciabatta loaves or similar chewy bread-toasted
• Pesto (homemade or store bought)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Pepper
• Fresh mozzarella ball
• Fresh basil
• Roasted red peppers
• Tomato (optional)

1. Split the rolls and toast, or toast whole (your preference)
2. Either smear pesto on the bread or balsamic vinegar combined with a sprinkling of pepper
3. Layer slices of mozzarella, basil leaves, roasted red peppers, and/or tomatoes
4. Slice in half, and enjoy.

*The sandwich is particularly yummy dipped in the tomato basil soup!
**For a gourmet touch, use smoked mozzarella and toast the sandwich so the cheese gets a bit melty!