recipe:: Creamy Tomato Soup

this is by far the BEST homemade creamy tomato soup i've ever had. it is our favorite--& we eat a lot of soup :) good enough to serve when guests come over even...& quite perfect for a rainy afternoon with grilled cheese sandwiches...

Creamy Tomato Soup

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 oz. cream cheese, soft
21 1/2 oz. cream of tomato soup (note: i often substitute 1 can tomato sauce + 1 can Progresso Hearty Tomato Soup {way better than Campbell's})
1 1/4 cup milk
32 oz. stewed tomatoes

It's important to follow the order of these ingredients...if you don't, the soup won't be as smooth!

1. Cook onion in butter until very soft & transparent (in other words, carmelize the onion)
2. Add basil, paprika, garlic powder, & cream cheese.
3. Heat on low until cream...don't let the cream cheese burn!!
4. Add remaining ingredients, stir vigorously...& continuously!!!
5. Heat to desired temperature...usually about 10 minutes on medium heat.