Tomato soup & Smoked Gouda croutons

I was craving tomato soup the other day and to my surprise my hubby said that sounded good. Now why I was surprised is because he hates tomatoes...with a passion!
 
Well I went to the store and got the ingredients along with stuff to make grilled cheese and dinner was a success.
 
Things you'll need:
1 t minced garlic
2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 T minced onion (or puree)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 - 28oz can chunky style crushed tomatoes (Delallo)
Salt & Pepper
 
In your food processor, blender or your magic bullet add the can of tomatoes and puree - set aside.
 
In a medium skillet add the olive oil and when hot add in the chopped/puree onions. Cook until softened and a little brown. (only takes a couple of minutes)
 
Add the garlic and continuously stir for 1-2 minutes, or till golden. Add chicken broth and tomato puree. Turn stove to low and let simmer for 15-18 minutes while stirring frequently. If you need salt and pepper now is the time to add it. I used a garlic pepper.
 
Slowly stir in the cream and cook for 8 minutes. Make sure not to boil the soup or the cream and tomatoes will separate and will not bond again. If you need any seasoning now is the time to add it.
 
Grilled cheese-
 
I shredded some smoke gouda and buttered some bread and used my George Foreman as a panini press. I let them cook until they were brown and crispy. When cooled I cut them into squares and added them to the soup. It was HEAVEN!
 
NOTES:
If the soup is too acidic you can add up to 1 tablespoon of Splenda. 
I use Swanson Chicken Broth 33% less sodium and Delallo chunky style crushed tomatoes.