Last weekend I was able to get away for awhile and go up  to the North Shore (Lake Superior). This was such a pretty time of year to go because everywhere a person looked, it seemed like the perfect place to take a photo…

I actually thought I’d be taking most of my photos out in the woods but as it turned out, I took most of them at one of my favorite restaurants! It’s a cute little place called “Northern Lights” in Beaver Bay. The interior of this restaurant is very cozy and cabin-like and now they have added a garden in back! So after I enjoyed their Sunday morning buffet, I spent the rest of my time walking through their garden area. You know, this place really is a “must-see” if you are ever up at Lake Superior (on the Minnesota side).  Their garden is absolutely beautiful, is filled with gentle fountains and offers a stunning view of Lake Superior. 

They serve a tomato soup that I have been trying to duplicate for years. It’s not a pretty soup but the flavor is unsurpassed. Chunks of tomato, along with spices, cream and just a hint of sweetness makes this soup’s flavor not soon forgotten. Here is my version for you to try…

*Just a note – Don’t skimp on flavor when making this soup by substituting a generic brand of seasoned diced tomatoes. You will be left with a bland soup. Use a major brand of tomatoes (I like Del Monte) because after trying the generic brands, I had very disappointing results. Even though the diced tomatoes were a “great value”, the taste  wasn’t worth the savings.

Northwoods Tomato Soup 

Into a medium-sized heavy saucepan put:

      2 – 14.5 oz. cans of diced tomatoes with basil and oregano

      1 T  basil

     1 t onion powder

      2 T  brown sugar

      2 t  chicken bouillon powder

      2 T  butter

Bring this to a boil then reduce the heat. Add:

      1/2 t  baking soda

It will foam up and then let simmer, covered,  for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Then add:

      3 c  whole milk or half & half

Heat to serving temperature but do not  boil…