Jalapeno Tomato Bisque- Hold the Jalapeno

I love food. No, I really love food- good food. I love to eat. Since I have this problem, it is only imperative and cost effective that I make good food in my own kitchen. I cook like a crazy person. Crazy as in- messy. I cook and create without regard to the war zone I am creating around me. I am that passionate about food. Any questions? Good- lets get talking food. Where was I?

Oh yeah- This is an original recipe that I created after being inspired, touched, hearing angels sing- at my favorite little bistro by the lake. Nothing is better than enjoying my favorite Jalapeno Tomato Bisque, then maybe enjoying it with a nice glass of red wine. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh (angels singing, duh). Oh Garth!!!!!! Next Date Night, I wanna go to the Lake, wink wink.

Anyways, I have this friend, Tonya. I have mentioned her before (see post: soft wood is no good). She has been helping me with some home improvement projects. We basically tore off all the woodwork in my kitchen and are drywalling over it. Its no big deal, really. Just a small project. So I decided I would make her my favorite soup. One problem. Tonya is a sissy. Don't get me wrong, she is a hard ass, Army Veteran, mother of 3, nurse extraordinaire- but a sissy when it come to spicy foods. She Cant Take the Heat- if you know what I a mean. So, this recipe is altered to fit her fancy, spice and heat free. Sucks, I know. But, she is helping me demo my house.

Jalapeno Tomato Bisque- Hold the Jalapeno

1 can all natural petite diced tomatoes, drained

1 medium red onion, diced

minced garlic, to taste (I love garlic, and I don't know how to measure much)

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 small can jalapeno, chopped, no seeds (optional)

1 small can diced green chilies, drained (optional)

1/4 cup brown rice

olive oil to taste

butter to taste

salt and pepper to taste

your favorite tomato sauce, soup, stock- whatever

In large skillet, melt butter and live oil. Add tomatoes, onion, celery and reduce mixture until aromatic and tender. It should caramelize a bit, Oh My God, I am already salivating.  OK, get a grip.

When mixture is ready, and you can hardy stand to wait anymore, add in the brown rice. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Trust me, it is worth the wait. Here is also where you would throw in the jalapeno and chilies, if you and your guests aren't complete sissy's.

Next, place entire mixture, while still hot in your blender. I have a knock off Magic Bullet Blender. No, it is not sexual in any way. But, after eating this soup I may want to have sex with my husband. I love it that much. Stop distracting me! I like this blender, It is easy to use and easy to clean. Both important.

When done, it should look like this.

Kinda like baby food, but better. Trust me.

Finally, you can mix your bisque with you favorite tomato sauce, paste, soup, or stock, and any seasonings to obtain the exact flavor and consistency you desire. Garnish and serve.

I am going to make crostini bread, when Tonya gets here with the bread, I am all out. Jealous?

In all seriousness, this recipe is easy to make, heart healthy, and delicious. What are some of your favorite recipes? Leave me a comment. I love to talk food. Can you tell?