Saks Fifth Avenue Tomato Bisque Recipe

Heat butter in a large stockpot. Dice onion and celery and add to pot. Sauté until the onion is transparent. Sprinkle flour over onions one tablespoon at a time, stirring in each one thoroughly with a large spoon until paste forms. Add garlic, diced tomatoes and basil, and stir. Stir in tomato puree and beef stock slowly, then whipping cream. The soup should be a rose color. Add bay leaf and simmer on low for about an hour. Remove bay leaf before serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serves 8-10.