Going to take a break from batch gifts for a minute (though I might have one or two still up my sleeve) to offer a hosting tip that my Aunt Cheryl perfected and used to offer to us on the night we would all arrive at different times from different states to spend a few days together celebrating the holidays. It’s the most delicious tomato soup that is perfect on a cold night and paired with cheese crostinis or a platter full of grilled cheese sandwiches cut in half. Though bowls are the traditional vessel, you can also set out jars/mugs for people to sip it or to just make it easier for them to carry it with them as they move about, catching up with friends and family.

I doubled the recipe for this picture, in case that helps you plan.

Tomato Soup
*1.5 quarts (or 1-28oz can + 1-14oz can) whole canned tomatoes and their juices
*Quart of whole milk
*1/4 cup of flour
*1/4 cup of butter (1/2 stick)
1)Combine and heat milk, flour, and butter in large Dutch oven
2)Add tomatoes and either blend with immersion blender or blend in blender
3)Bring to boil
4)Salt to taste
Reduce heat to low and allow hungry guests to serve themselves as they arrive.