White Meringue Frosting

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated white sugar, not confectioner's sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1.Place all ingredients in the mixer bowl and whisk until well combined. Fill a saucepan with water about (2-3 cups). The saucepan should be large enough for the mixer bowl to “rest in it” but without touching the bottom of the saucepan.

2.When the water is shimmering place the bowl in the sauce pan and whisk the mixture. The mixture must not boil. Whisk until all the sugar is dissolved or you will end up with a grainy looking frosting. Remove from the saucepan.
3. Place the bowl in the kitchen mixer with the whisk attachment on. Whisk the meringue frosting until stiff peaks forms and has a glossy look. 

4. Stored in the refrigerator, frosted cupcakes will remain fresh for 2 days.

http://cakejournal.com/recipes/white-meringue-frosting/

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf

½ cup flour
½ cup butter

1 cup Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups half and half, warmed 
1/2 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Put in food processor and blend until almost smooth: celery, carrots, and onions. 
In a large dutch oven saute the pureed vegetables 5 mintues. 
Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, and bay leaf  and broth.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir into hot soup.  
Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed.
Cook on LOW for 20 minutes or so. Too high of a temp,  and the milk will curdle-DON'T DO IT!