Mom's Jersey Fresh Tomato Soup

Ingredients

some croutons for basil sprigs for
2 slices onions
4 slices bacon
1 1/2 tb butter
6 ripe jersey tomatoes
2 tb tomato paste
3 slices lemon rind
4 c chicken stock
1 t sugar
1/2 ts thyme
1 t basil

Instructions

Saute onions in butter about 5 minutes until tender and golden. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon rind, chicken stock, bacon and herbs. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer until tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove lemon rind. Cool soup, then puree in blender. Strain puree. Reheat before serving. Garnish with croutons and basil sprigs.