Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup recipe

[annie]

Ingredients:
4 cups ripe tomatoes (approximately 5 large tomatoes), peeled, seeded and chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery
1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
1/2-1 cup light cream
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon fresh basil or fresh dill, chopped (optional)
salt, to taste
freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation:
1. Place all the ingredients (except the cream and basil or dill, if using) in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer for about 30 minutes (or until the vegetables are soft).
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the vegetable mixture to your preferred smoothness.
4. Add the light cream (1/2 cup or up to 1 cup, to taste and depending on the flavor of the tomatoes).
5. Heat the soup gently over low heat.
6. Before serving, stir in some fresh herbs (if using), and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the soup hot or chilled.