Italian Tomato, Basil and Bread Soup

In the heat of summer it's wonderful to have a few of these no-cook dishes in your repertoire. This chilled broth-based soup is given a hearty character with plenty of bread cubes and flavorful tomatoes. It chills for an hour so you can, too!

Recipe Ingredients:

8 ounces Italian bread, slightly stale or lightly toasted
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil - divided use
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
3 cups chicken stock, chilled

Cooking Directions:

1. Cut bread into large chunks and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with half of the olive oil and toss.
2. Add tomatoes, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper to taste; toss again. Pour chicken stock over the mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour or more before serving.

Makes 4 servings.