In February, there is nothing more comforting than a nice bowl of soup.

Here is one that is satisfying any night of the week but is a perfect touch for your Valentine’s Day meal, and the very best news is it must easily be one of the fastest soups on record, although it tastes as though it took hours!

14 ounce can Italian tomatoes*
2 cups chicken broth – (vegetable will do, too!)
2 large garlic cloves – finely chopped
3 or 4 large Basil leaves
Several leaves of Italian Parsley
Worcestershire Sauce
Tabasco Sauce – or your favorite hot sauce
¼ to ⅓ cup Vodka
Salt and Pepper to Taste
3 tablespoons Olive Oil

In a large saucepan, brown the garlic in the oil for a very few minutes, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown. Chop the tomatoes and pour them with their juice into the pot.

Stir to incorporate with the garlic and then add the stock, and basil. Let simmer for about 5 minutes and then transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Return to the pot.

Salt and pepper to desired taste and let simmer for a few minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir. Add Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce a few drops at a time. Simmer for about 10 minutes until heated to your desired temperature (this soup is also wonderful served cold or at room temperature).

Just before serving, add the vodka, more or less, to your preference. Pour into bowls and garnish with the parsley leaves.

Give it a try, you’ll like it!