Crock-Pot Thursday Lunch: Tomato Basil Bisque, Grilled Cheese Bacon Sandwiches on White Bread. Side Salad w/ Choice of Dressing and Apple Peanut Butter Cookies

Is anyone else having flashbacks to their school lunch period? Close your eyes and you can just imagine walking with your lunch tray, hoping to find a seat at the cool kids table. Today's CrockPot Thursday lunch is a shout-out to old school lunches - except delicious. 

CREAMY TOMATO BASIL BISQUE 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 red onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups good-quality chicken stock
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ - 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch basil, torn into small bite-size pieces
• Parmesan cheese, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a dutch oven or large pot. Once hot, add onions and season generously with Kosher salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until soft and starting to turn golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
2. Stir in the tomatoes and chicken stock. Season generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I like to use about ½ tablespoon of black pepper, which gives a little kick to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower heat to maintain a simmer for at least 15 minutes. You can feel free to leave it longer if you forget about it. I have.
3. Purée mixture using an immersion blender or carefully transfer soup to a blender. If using a blender, return mixture to the pot.
4. Stir in the cream and basil and let simmer for at least 15 minutes, although I like to leave it for a bit longer so it can reduce down to a thicker consistency.
5. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I highly recommend using Parmigiano-Reggiano for its superior quality), a little sprinkle of black pepper, and a chiffonade of basil.

GRILLED CHEESE ROLL UPS

INGREDIENTS

• 8 slices white bread*, crusts trimmed
• 8 slices Wisconsin cheddar cheese*
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Bacon

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a rolling pin, flatten bread squares to 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Place cheese slice and bacon on top of each slice of bread, rolling up tightly.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches, add roll ups to the skillet, cooking until all sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes, adding more butter as needed.
4. Serve immediately.

APPLE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup grated peeled apple

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
4. Stir in apple.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets.
6. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks.