Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

From The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup all purpose flour

4 cups chicken broth

3 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

1 (14.5 ounce)can diced tomatoes or 8-10 small vine ripened tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 1/2 teaspoon dried

coarse salt and ground black pepper

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook and stir for 5 minutes to slightly brown the mixture. Whisk in the broth. Increase the heat and cook and stir until thickened. Decrease the heat to low, stir in the half-and-half, and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomatoes, and basil, and cook until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve as is chunky style, or puree in a food processor or blender if you prefer a smooth soup. (I just blend the diced tomatoes before I add them)

Serve with Polly's French bread