Ingredients

1/4

cup olive oil

1

medium onion, diced

1

tablespoon finely chopped garlic

2

cans (14.5 oz each) Muir Glen™ Organic or Meridian Ruby™ diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2

cup whipping cream

1/4

cup grated Parmesan cheese

2

tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

1/2

teaspoon salt

1/4

teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4

cup butter, softened, or olive oil

12

slices white bread

12

slices aged Cheddar cheese (6 oz)

12

large fresh basil leaves

Preparation

In 4-quart saucepan, heat olive oil, onion and garlic over medium heat 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and translucent.

Reduce heat to low. Add tomatoes; heat 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; add remaining soup ingredients. In blender, place soup mixture. Cover; puree until smooth.

Spread butter on 1 side of each bread slice. Arrange 6 slices bread, buttered side down, on work surface, and place 2 slices cheese and 2 basil leaves on each bread slice. Top with remaining 6 bread slices, buttered sides up. In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook 2 sandwiches at a time over medium heat until golden brown and cheese just melts; repeat for remaining sandwiches. Serve with soup.