Recipe: Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Soup

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Soup
Rec.food.recipes/kate/2001

6 slices bacon (thick slices of slab bacon)
3/4 Tbsp. flour
6 cup coarsely chopped tomatoes*
3 Tbsp. sugar
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh onions, minced or onion powder
Fresh garlic clove, minced or garlic powder
2/3 tsp. sweet paprika
2/3 cup half & half
1/4 head lettuce, coarsely chopped

Dice bacon and fry in Dutch oven until browned and crisp. Remove bacon pieces and drain on paper towel. Remove excess bacon fat, reserving 3-4 Tbsp. in the pan. Add flour and brown in bacon fat to form a roux. Add chopped tomatoes. (Do not peel or seed; use the whole thing.) Add sugar and spices. Stir well and then lower heat to medium low and cover pan. Allow tomatoes to cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes. Add half- &-half and bring back to heat but do not boil. Just before serving add the bacon pieces and the lettuce. Serve with hot buttered, toasted homemade bread.