Creamy Tomato Soup (for two)

• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, divided
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 ribs celery, trimmed and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 bay leaf
• 1 small sprig fresh thyme
• 1 (14 1/2 oz) (400g) tins of chopped tomatoes in puree undrained
• 1 1/2 TBS tomato puree (tomato paste)
• 3 TBS plain all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) half and half (single cream)
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream (double cream)
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Melt 1/2 TBS of butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion and celery. Cover and cook on low over low heat until very soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Add the bay leaf, thyme, tinned tomatoes and tomato puree. Bring to a simmer and cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour. Cook for several minutes to cook out the flour taste. It should smell a bit nutty. Slowly whisk in the half and half and milk, allowing the flour mixture to absorb each addition before adding another.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a slow simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour this into the pot with the tomatoes, whisking it in well. Whisk in the cream until smooth.
5. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes longer. Remove the bay leaf and thyme.
6. Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, food processor, or a regular blender (take care when using a blender). Strain through a mesh strainer into a clean pot, discarding any solids.
7. Bring the soup to a simmer. If it seems too thick you can add a bit more milk until you get it to the consistency you want it to be. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

To make a quick and easy air fryer grilled cheese, take two thick slices of your favorite bread and butter each slice on the outside with softened butter. Place one slice in the air fryer basket butter side down. Top with 2 slices of processed cheese. Place the other slice on top, butter side up. Air fry for 5 minutes at 400*F/200*C. Flip over and continue to air fry for an additional 3 minutes. Perfection.

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