Nice Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:
5 1/2 slices Italian bread, preferably a little stale, crust removed
2 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and juice reserved

4 cups chicken stock
6 garlic cloves, minced
10 fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C only if you are using fresh bread. Bake the bread until it is light golden brown on a baking sheet. If the bread isn’t fresh, just set it aside.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 6 minutes or until golden.
Add tomatoes and juices to the pot, bringing to a boil and stirring occasionally.
Add bread and stock and return to boil.
Season with salt and pepper and let simmer.
Cook uncovered for about 40 minutes. After 30 minutes, add the basil leaves.
Serve with extra virgin olive oil drizzled over.