Mama Lil's Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This classic comfort food combination gets a spicy twist with the addition of Mama Lil's Pickled Peppers. The tangy, slightly sweet peppers add a new dimension to the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup pairing. 

*Start with your favorite pre-made tomato soup or try this quick fresh recipe.

Ingredients: 

Grilled cheese:

• 8 slices bread 
• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened 
• 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated 
• 1/4 cup Mama Lil's Pickled Peppers, sliced 
• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Tomato soup: 

• 2 tbsp. olive oil 
• 1 onion, chopped 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 can (28 oz.) whole peeled tomatoes 
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth 
• 1/2 cup heavy cream 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

Grilled Cheese:

1. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. 
2. Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. 
3. Place four slices of bread, buttered side down, on the griddle or skillet. 
4. Top each slice of bread with 1/4 of the grated cheddar cheese and 1 tbsp. of Mama Lil's Pickled Peppers. 
5. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of the cheese and peppers, buttered side up. 
6. Cook the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. 
7. While the sandwiches are cooking, make the tomato soup. 

Tomato soup:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 
2. Add the whole peeled tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, and salt and pepper to taste. 
3. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and the flavors have melded together. 11. Using an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender, blend the soup until smooth. 
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches with the tomato soup on the side.