White Northern Bean and Lima Bisque

Who doesn't love soup on  a cold winter day. It was 8 degrees this morning and managed to get to a whopping 18 degrees by lunchtime. No doubt about it, it's a soup night!

This soup is an easy and quick prepare when you are short on time, but does not fall flat on flavor!

• 1 13oz. can of northern white beans in tomato sauce
• 2 cups cooked small lima beans (can prepare the day before or use leftovers)
• 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 13oz. can chicken broth or more
• 1/4 medium vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic chopped
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (leaves only - no stems)
• 8 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled

Place first 8 ingredients in a food processor on high. Blend until very smooth. You can add more chicken broth if you like a thinner soup.

Pour into a pot and bring to a slow boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes or until all of the flavors marry. Add butter and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Optional - Top with crumbled bacon and serve!