Recipe(tried): Ultimate Cream of Tomato Soup

This is a Cook's Illustrated recipe that I have been wanting to make for ages, and finally did a few nights ago. Yum! I added half the amount of cream, I like the acidic tomatoey flavor, my husband would probably have preferred it with the full amount, but he declared it the best tomato soup he's had. Cook's likes Muir Glen tomatoes, which is what I used, but more important is that they are in juice not puree.

Tracey

ULTIMATE CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP
Cook's Illustrated

Make sure to use canned whole tomatoes that are not packed in puree; you will need some of the juice to make the soup.

2 cans (28 ounces each) whole tomatoes (not packed in puree), drained, 3 cups juice reserved, tomatoes seeded
1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large shallots, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pinch ground allspice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons brandy or dry sherry
Salt and cayenne pepper

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees; line jelly-roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with foil. Spread tomatoes in single layer on foil, and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Bake until all liquid has evaporated and tomatoes begin to color, about 30 minutes. Let tomatoes cool slightly, then peel them off foil ; transfer to small bowl and set aside.

2. Heat butter over medium heat in medium nonreactive saucepan until foaming; add shallots, tomato paste, and allspice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Whisking constantly, gradually add chicken stock; stir in reserved tomato juice and roasted tomatoes. Cover, increase heat to medium, and bring to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors, about 10 minutes.

3. Strain mixture into medium bowl; rinse out saucepan. Transfer tomatoes and solids in strainer to blender; add 1 cup strained liquid and puree until smooth. Place pureed mixture and remaining strained liquid in saucepan, add cream, and heat over low heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Off heat, stir in brandy or sherry; season to taste with salt and cayenne, and serve immediately.

Makes about 5 1/2 cups, serving 4