Tomato Soup - Grandma Ellen

1 quart tomatoes

1 quart milk

¼ tsp baking soda

Salt and pepper to taste

Sugar to taste

Grind up tomatoes until chunky to smooth (depending on your preference) in a blender. 

Heat the tomatoes in a pan until hot but no boiling.

Heat the milk in a separate pan until hot, but not boiling.

Stir soda into the tomatoes.

Pour the tomatoes INTO the milk.  If you do it the opposite the soup will curdle.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

If you want a fancier tomato soup you can sauté onion and celery.  Then make a roux with 2 tablespoons of flour in the vegetables.  Add the milk to the vegetables to thicken. 

Garnish with basil leaves or fresh grated Parmesan cheese.