Hi friends! I’m back! I’m just peeking in again this week to share a special little guest post for a radiant new mama — Emily from the Pig & Quill (whose baby shower from a few weeks ago was my excuse to nosh on about a year’s worth of cocktail franks) had her baby! I’m mildly obsessed with baby Lana James (and her fabulous name) so I can only imagine what it’s like for, you know, her actual parents — so I was super excited to be able to help out with a guest post while Emily and Chris are embarking on such an exciting new journey.
This tomato bisque and grilled cheese combo is one that I’ve actually been meaning to share since the tail end of last tomato season (oops) but it’s one of my absolute favorites, so I’m pumped it’s finally seeing the light of day. It’s one of my go-to freezer meals, so I figured it might be a good one to add to Emily’s arsenal — the soup is inspired by a creamy, comforting one from my college days, one that I loved to turn to when sick or when looking for a late-night pick-me-up after a long night in the library. It’s got an extra boost of umami from a few rashers of bacon, but a little less dairy to balance that out, and it’s perfect when paired with a grilled cheese amped up with tart apple slices and two different kinds of smoky cheese — in turn inspired by a great one B2 and I had at a quirky 24/7 coffee shop in downtown Honolulu. If you’re into making this for those rainy, slightly chilly late spring evenings we’re still having, canned tomatoes will do well while we wait — otherwise, it’s just a few weeks until their fresh cousins are back! And you can find the recipes over on the Pig & Quill this morning! Emily, thank you so much for having me, mama! Hugs and kisses and lots of soup to you and lovely Lana.
May 14, 2015 at 6:19 am
Oh wow, this looks so delicious! Heading over to Pig & Quill for the recipe now. Thanks!
May 19, 2015 at 7:08 pm
Yay! Thank you! 🙂
May 14, 2015 at 6:28 am
This looks so yummy. Pig & Quill has been one of my favorites to follow since I discovered it a few months ago 🙂 I love the idea of bacon and parmesan in the soup!
May 19, 2015 at 7:08 pm
Isn’t she awesome?! Thanks so much, Kristin!
May 14, 2015 at 10:28 am
Tomato soup + grilled cheese = the most excellent combination.
May 14, 2015 at 4:32 pm
This soup is gorgeous, Cynthia! <3
May 14, 2015 at 5:51 pm
So sweet of you to step in while the new mama is getting to know her baby!!! I love this delicious duo so much! Up until recently, I had no idea apple and bacon could make such a fine couple!
May 14, 2015 at 9:00 pm
I’m going dairy-free and then I see a post like this and I’m like “nah”.
No but seriously, this must taste delicious!
May 15, 2015 at 5:12 am
that’s so nice of you to fill her in!! So… I was thinking about taking a week off cooking nothing but gummy bears. Guest post for me, too?
May 15, 2015 at 9:10 am
This is a combo I could seriously eat everyday. Your version sounds absolutely delicious. Lovely, Cynthia!
May 18, 2015 at 7:22 pm
Tomato bisque + grilled cheese is my idea of heaven!
May 19, 2015 at 4:50 pm
The temperature just took a dip and I now I need this meal in my life! The soup sounds lovely (and is a perfect excuse to dip into my bacon fat jar!!) and I really need to step up my grilled cheese game because that cheddar/smoked gouda/apple/bacon combo sounds like a dream!
May 27, 2015 at 2:15 am
I feel like when in doubt, bacon is the answer!
May 29, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Tomato soup aka bisque is always welcome! Especially with toasties xx
June 3, 2015 at 3:16 am
This is the prettiest bowl of tomato soup I ever saw! Emily is so lucky to have you guest posting while she’s gone – now if only you could mail her (and me too please) a bowl of this soup and a grilled cheese, we’d be all set;)