Cliff House at Pikes Peak
Bed and Breakfast Inn

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Specialty Recipe

Fresh Tomato Bisque with Basil Oil

From the Kitchen of Chef Craig Hartman

Ingredients

2 large onions, roughly cut

8 large tomatoes, cored and roughly cut

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cups vegetable stock

1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt, pepper, and sugar to taste

Basil Oil:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cups fresh basil

Salt and sugar

Use a heavy bottomed soup pot. Place the pot over low flame and add the olive oil. Place the onions in the pot and lightly saute for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and saute shortly. Add the seasonings and cover with a lid. Place on medium-low heat. Allow to cook until soft, stirring often. Place the mixture in the food processor and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

To make the basil oil, just place the ingredients in the food processor and puree for about 5 minutes. Place in a squeeze bottle and garnish the soup with it.

• You found this recipe on 1st Traveler's Choice Internet Cookbook. (www.virtualcities.com)