Every summer I would visit my cousins wherever my family decided that we would gather. One of those summers I distinctively remember going to watch a renaissance dinner show. It was amazing-at least what I remember of it.

My dear cousin spilt coke all over herself after getting up and trying to sit back down in those chairs that automatically fold back up; she was sticky for the rest of the night until we got home. My brother, who was always two seats away to prevent bickering, probably fell asleep as these shows were not his thing. I, myself was enjoying the show and wishing I was the princess-keep in mind I was only about 6 or 7 years of age.

Nevertheless, there was one significant moment that I remember of that night. The food. Not just all the food, but the appetizer. A simple tomato soup and my world was turned upside down. I had never tried this soup before, believe it or not, but I just loved it so much.

Mother, who is such an amazing cook, had a recipe of her own. Can you believe me when I say that I have never had anything quite like mothers tomato soup? Well, see for yourself. She has an unusual ingredient that most recipes do not call for. This ingredient gives it a burst of flavor that will get your taste buds tingling in a matter of seconds. But don’t gulp the soup down so fast, you might burn yourself!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans 425g crushed tomatoes
• 3 bacons rashers chopped (or a half pack of bacon strips)
• 1-tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 large chopped onion
• 3 cloves of crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
• 1/2-teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 small crumbled cube of chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1-tablespoon of olive oil

Preparation:

• Heat oil in large saucepan
• Add onion, garlic, ginger and bacon
• Stir until bacon is cooked
• Add chili, un-drained crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, stock cube and water
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes
• Blend the mixture until it is well combined (I used a hand blender)
• Enjoy hot….Under a cozy blanket while you blog.