Best Bites: Garden-Fresh Tomato Soup
By Donna Erickson
There's Nothing Like Garden-Fresh Tomato Soup and Melted-Cheese Sandwiches Al Fresco
Prepare a tasty lunch for all ages and eat it outdoors together while the days are sunny and warm. In this menu, melted-cheese sandwiches, cut in wedges, and semi-homemade tomato soup with fresh chunks of ripe tomatoes from the garden taste fresh and satisfying.
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
Serve with watermelon slices, strawberries, and other summer fruits for dessert. A cupcake or sea-salt-topped brownie makes the al-fresco lunch extra special if there's a birthday in the house or if you're craving something so deliciously sweet.
Here are the simple soup and sandwich "comfort food" recipes you can throw together in minutes with your pint-sized chefs. These recipes serve 4-6.
SEMI-HOMEMADE CITRUS-FLAVORED TOMATO SOUP
Empty 1 large 15.2-ounce can of condensed tomato soup into a saucepan. Fill the can with equal parts orange juice and water, and add to the soup. Stir well and simmer.
Ten minutes before serving, add 1 chopped fresh tomato. Serve in attractive mugs or small bowls garnished with fresh basil. Set on individual plates with melted-cheese sandwiches and fruit.
MELTED-CHEESE SANDWICHES
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, let your child stir together 1 cup of reduced-fat, four-cheese, Mexican-style shredded cheese; 1-2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise; 1 chopped scallion; and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional, depending on the tastes of your children).
Lightly butter the cut side of 2 halved large sandwich rolls, or 1 halved small baguette. Your child may spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the buttered bread and set on a cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and bread is lightly toasted. Cut into wedges.
Alternate Idea: Use your favorite bread instead of sandwich rolls or a baguette and cut bread slices with biscuit or cookie cutters for whimsical sandwich shapes. Follow above steps for melted-cheese sandwiches.
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Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2024 Donna Erickson
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