Sunday night comforts

Ever since I was young, I remember Sunday's as the day to relax, hang out, and just enjoy doing nothing. We usually would eat a big lunch after church so Sunday night dinner was simple and low key. Our go to was grilled cheese and tomato soup, a classic comfort that I still love to enjoy. Last night I amped up this duo with some homemade rustic touches, but I promise it's still simple enough to whip up without interfering with your lounge time. 

Homemade chunky tomato soup

1 large can of diced tomato

1/2 cup onion chopped

1 carrot diced

1 celery stalk diced

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 1/2 cups cups chicken broth

1/2 cup cream

1 bay leaf

fresh basil chopped

olive oil

salt & fresh ground pepper

Heat oven to 400. Drain canned tomatoes with small strainer into a bowl reserving liquid. Spread out tomatoes on a foil lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Roast in oven for about 15 minutes. (Once they're done roasting set aside 1/2 cup of tomatoes.) Meanwhile in a pot saute onion, carrots, and celery with olive oil until softened. Add garlic and saute for about 2 more minutes. Once that's done, add reserved liquid, chicken broth, all but 1/2 cup of tomatoes, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper then cover and simmer for about 30 mins. Remove bay leaf and cool soup for 10 mins before carefully transferring to blender. Puree until smooth then return soup to pot. Add reserved tomatoes and cream, stir, and heat until warm.  Spoon into bowls and top with fresh pepper. 

Mini grilled cheeses with bacon

French bread sliced

Cheddar cheese sliced

Bacon

Butter

Cook bacon until crispy. Butter bread slices and assemble sandwiches with sliced cheese and bacon in the middle. Grill in pan until golden.

Pair with this and you've got a comfortable night in.