TOMATO SOUP----A NEW WAY

                       Tomato soup is not my favorite. When I saw this recipe, I had to share.
               It is not the regular Tomato soup. White beans, bacon, cheese,  with a
               "kick",  is sure to change your opinion of the Tomato soup you
                might have had as a youngster at Mom or Grandmas' house.

                                         BACON, TOMATO, & WHITE BEAN SOUP

                        1 Tablespoon olive oil
                        1/3 pound of smoky bacon, chopped
                        2 red or white onions, finely chopped
                        3-4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
                        1 Fresno Chile pepper, sliced very thin, [ a jalepeno or serrano pepper
                        2 large bay leaves                                              can be substituted]
                        2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
                                            Salt and Pepper
                        1 can of tomatoes [28-32 ounces, petite diced]
                        2 cups of tomato puree
                        2 cups chicken stock
                        1 can cannelloni   [ white beans] drained
                     
                        Grated Pecorino-Romano , for sprinkling

                        Crusty bread for "mopping" [ garlic bread works]

                  1. In a medium dutch oven [ soup pot] heat the oil, over medium -high
                      heat. Add bacon and cook til browned, about 5 minutes
                      Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain off all but 3 Tablespoons of the fat.

                   2. Add the onions, garlic, chile, bay leaves, thyme, salt and lots of pepper.
                       Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes.
                       Stir in the tomatoes, tomato puree, and chicken stock.
                       Stir in the beans bring to a  simmer. Simmer  for 15 minutes.

                    3. Serve the soup in shallow bowls. Top with the cooked bacon.
                        Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the cheese.
                        Serve with the bread. This recipe serves 4.
                        Hope you give this one a try.....enjoy.
                     [  This recipe is from an issue of  Everyday with Rachael Ray ]

                   That is all for today,  friend,. this is Jenny
  .