Macaroni & Cheese Soup with Fresh Tomato Toasts

The rainy cold weather is coming our way, here is a yummy comfort food soup recipe for ya.  Your Kids Will LOVE IT!!!!

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup elbow macaroni

Cooking spray

2 plum tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick

4½ -inch-thick slices baguette

Freshly ground pepper

1 shallot

1 carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces

¼ cup all-purpose flour

3¾ cups chicken broth

1¼ cups milk

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

salt to taste 

COOKING MUSIC SELECTION: Kate Bush Mother Stands for Comfort

PREPARATION:

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook as the label directs; drain.

Mist a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the tomato and baguette slices on it in a single layer; season with salt and pepper. Bake until the bread is golden brown, about 7 minutes.

Mince the shallots, carrot and celery in a food processor. Mist a saucepan with cooking spray. Add the vegetables and cook over medium-high heat until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in the broth and bring to a boil; cook, stirring, until thickened, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Add the milk, cheeses and macaroni and stir until the cheeses melt. Season with pepper. Top the toasts with tomatoes; serve on the soup. Serve with a side of sliced sausages or sprinkle crumbled bacon on top....ENJOY!!!