Quick Creamy Tomato Soup

INGREDIENTS

• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves cracked fresh garlic, optional
• 2 (15-ounce) containers, chicken or vegetable stock/broth (preferred brand: Kitchen Basics)
• 20 leaves fresh basil, cut into chiffonade, for garnish
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (28-ounce) can concentrated crushed tomatoes
• Soup toppers, for garnish, recipe follows
• 1/2 pound shredded cheese to compliment your soup: provolone, Asiago, cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, etc.
• 4 slices crusty bread, 4 inches across, 1/4-inch thick-slice artisan breads at counter in market
• Coarse salt and black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream