Nordstrom’s Tomato Basil Soup

A favorite copycat recipe: Nordstrom’s Tomato Basil Soup. It’s creamy, comforting and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Just when I think I have my shit together, I don’t. Pardon the language but hot damn I have a full plate. I don’t think- rather, I know- I’m alone when I say that being a mom (working or not) our plates often rotate between being full and overflowing. If it’s not after school activities it’s a sick kid. If it’s not work commitments it’s a copious amount of laundry. If it’s not an empty fridge that needs filling, it’s a science fair project. It it’s not a flooding furnace its a dirty bathroom. If it’s not volunteering at school the dogs need to be walked. I feel like this past week I was being pulled in thirteen different directions. My planner was full of penciled in appointments, conference calls, and way too many commitments to volunteer at school and/or play tennis. By weeks end, I was a hot mess. And one that desperately need a shower, for the record. When am I going to learn to say no? Just no. No, thank you. NOOOOOO!!!!! NO. NO. NO.

What is it that prevents us Mamas from saying no? It’s so simple really. But yet time and time again I find myself saying yes to everything under the sun only to leave myself feeling frazzled, resentful and wishing I’d said no in the first place. And ain’t no one got time for that. Why do I find it so hard to not over commit? My husband doesn’t have that problem- trust me. And I say that without sarcasm, I promise. He is so good about taking care of his needs. He has zero problem saying no when it doesn’t work for him. And as much as it drives me crazy sometimes, I think it’s because I’m just envious that putting himself first comes so naturally for him. Me thinks I need some pointers.

The last few weeks left me feeling so over scheduled that this week is the opposite. I literally crossed out chunks on my calendar to remind myself that saying NO is a good thing. I so desperately need to get some laundry done, catch up on emails and spend a day in my softies if I so choose to. (FYI- softies is what my Dad calls his sweats- it’s genius) So today I do nada. I’m taking a shower to start- hot damn is it overdue- and after that I’m not sure. I’ll probably take the dogs for a hike and run a few errands but after the last few weeks, today will seem like a vacation. I just might have lunch date with my DVR and a bowl of soup if I decide to get super crazy. I’ve got just enough of this soup leftover left to make it a meal for one. #Boom

xo, Kelley

Nordstrom’s Tomato Basil Soup

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• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 1/2 oz) can of broth (could use chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• kosher salt and pepper
• parmesan cheese, optional
• fresh basil or parsley, optional

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil and butter; add the carrots, onion and dried basil and sauté, stirring occasionally until softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes and the broth and bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Remove soup from the heat. Purée the soup in the saucepan using a wand-type immersion blender; or, working in batches, purée in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade.
4. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan, add the cream and place over medium heat. Add sugar. Warm until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Top soup with a handful of grated parmesan cheese and either fresh basil or parsley if desired.