Tomato Basil Soup

I have been so excited to try this recipe from my friend Paige!  At both of my bridal showers, everyone brought their favorite recipe which I was so excited about since I (obviously) love cooking and trying new recipes!  Paige brought this recipe card to the shower Michelle threw for me.  She said it is the best Tomato Basil Soup.  I love having an immersion blender to make soups like this.  I also love recipes that call for basil or cilantro since mine are growing nicely!  I definitely used way more basil than it calls for, but I still think I could have used more.  I should have sprinkled some on top as well.  I add basil to everything I can when it is growing fresh in our backyard - including BBQ chicken pizza and any pasta recipe.

This is not the best picture, but I forgot to take one until after we had already eaten!  If you are feeding more than two people and this soup is a main course, I recommend doubling the recipe.
Ingredients:
2 28 ounce cans of whole, peeled tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced (I left this out)
1 cup (1/4 quart) chicken stock
2 tablespoons basil, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 carrots, chopped

Saute onion, basil, and carrots in olive oil for 15 minutes.

Add stock and drained tomatoes.  Simmer for 25 minutes.

Blend entire mixture - I used my immersion blender!  You can also use a regular blender - just watch out for explosions!

Return to burner and add cream and salt and pepper to taste.