Creole Style Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Dumplings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 12 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 8 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped fresh tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
• Essence, recipe follows
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil, plus 4 to 6 tablespoons chiffonade, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream