Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2           cup  butter or margarine
  2        tablespoons  olive oil
  1              large  onion -- sliced
  2             sprigs  fresh thyme or
     1/2      teaspoon  dried thyme
  4                     fresh basil leaves or
     1/2      teaspoon  dried basil
  1           teaspoon  salt
     1/4      teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
  2 1/2         pounds  diced fresh ripe tomatoes or
  2               cans  italian-style tomatoes with juice -- (16-ounce)
  3        tablespoons  tomato paste
     1/4           cup  all-purpose flour
  3 3/4           cups  chicken broth -- divided
  1           teaspoon  sugar
  1                cup  heavy cream
                        croutons
  8             slices  day-old french or italian bread
  1              large  garlic clove -- sliced~ lengthwise
  2        tablespoons  olive oil

Preparation:

In a large kettle, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and seasonings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft. Add the tomatoes and paste. Stir to blend. Simmer 10 minutes.Place the flour in a small mixing bowl and stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir into the tomato mixture. Add the remaining broth. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Allow mixture to cool and run through a sieve, food mill or food processor. Return the pureed mixture to the kettle. Add the sugar and cream. Heat through, stirring occasionally. To prepare the croutons, rub the garlic over both sides of the bread. Brush with olive oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until toasted. Turn and toast on other side 2 to 3 minutes. Just before serving, top each bowl with one or two croutons.

Nutritional Information:

310 Calories (kcal); 30g Total Fat; (85% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 72mg Cholesterol; 802mg Sodium