Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Absolutely delicious paired with freshly-made whole wheat bread.

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups half and half, warmed (I would go with only a cup and a half though)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
• 1 cup finely diced onions
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice

Instructions

1. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.
2. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don't be afraid to always season to taste at the end).
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.
4. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.

Notes