Tomato Bisque and Spinach-Beet Salad

John tried tomato bisque for the first time and LOVED it.  Of course, I knew I could make it easily at home, so I tried it.  

To start, I sauteed some lightly crushed garlic in butter.  

Then, I added in some sliced leeks and onions and let it cook until soft.

I sprinkled the mix with some fresh thyme, and it smelled so good!

Into the pot went 1 big can of whole peeled tomatoes, 2 cups of chicken broth, and some salt.  I let that cook for about 15 minutes.

I didn't have any cream, aside from what was on the top of the milk, so I used rice to thicken the soup.  1/4 cup went into the pot with some balsamic vinegar and cooked until it was tender.

When it was all cooked up, I used my immersion blender to mix it.  Actually, John mixed it.  Thanks, John!

In a bowl with shaved cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar?  It looked beautiful!

We ate it with a spinach-beet-goat cheese salad and cranberry dressing.  Yum!

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