Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

5 strips bacon, diced
1 rib celery, chopped
½ cup chopped onion
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1 red pepper, seeded and diced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
6 FRESH basil leaves, chopped (divided)
2 cloves FRESH garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 cup half and half

In large soup pot, cook bacon. Drain all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Add the celery, onion and carrot to the bacon and cook 2 minutes. Add peppers, half of the basil and garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add bouillon cubes and stir to dissolve. Transfer soup to blender and puree in batches (only takes 2), then return to soup pot. Add half and half and remaining basil. Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes. Served with toasted garlic or cheesy bread.