Snow?!?! Well, at least there's homemade soup.

Does anyone else remember 4B's?  That amazing cream of tomato soup?

Yesterday's beautiful weather made today's snow even more disappointing.  It's official, I'm ready for spring.  Then again, I'm usually ready for spring about a week after Christmas.  Remind me why I live in Montana?

Well, that 4B's tomato soup used to be a pretty good reason.  And since I can't go buy it anymore, I decided to make it and share my best try with you.  Because if there's one thing that might make snow bearable, it's tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich!

Oh, and for awhile, 4B's was giving out a recipe for their soup.  I never thought that one tasted quite right, and that is not the recipe I've used.  Coffee creamer?  In soup?  No way.

Fake-it 4B's Cream of Tomato Soup

• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 c finely chopped onion
• 2 T sugar
• 2 T butter (you can sub margarine, but butter tastes better.  Duh!)
• 2 T flour
• Pinch baking soda
• 1 c half & half
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Saute onion in butter. Cook until softened, add flour and mix well.  Add tomatoes, sugar, baking soda, salt and pepper. Simmer at least one hour. Heat half & half either in a double boiler or in the microwave on half power. Be sure not to let it boil, it curdles easily and curdled milk is not so appetizing.  Once it is warm, but not hot, add to tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (I use LOTS of pepper.)

And if don't dip your grilled cheese into the soup, you must not be a native Montanan.  But don't worry, we won't hold it against you.  Much.