Creamy Tomato Soup

I don't like plain tomato soup, but there's nothing plain about this one and it's delicious. Great for dinner parties, or just something a little different at lunch or dinner.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained (If you like a spicier taste, use Rotel)
• 2 (10 3/4ounce) cans  condensed tomato soup, undiluted
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2-1  teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄8-1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
•  croutons (optional) or  bagel chips, shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a saucepan, sauté onion in butter until tender.
2. Stir in tomatoes, soup, milk, sugar, basil, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
6. Top each serving with croutons and/or shredded cheese (if desired).
7. Serve immediately.