Will sports fans be gathering at your bakery or cafe to enjoy some big-game action along with some high-scoring treats? Here’s a game plan with Big Win written all over it – three tasty power-plays from the Chabaso Bread Company’s all-pro food super-stars.

Chabaso Bakery, one of the largest Artisan bread bakeries in the US, was established in New Haven, Connecticut in 1995, Chabaso’s hand-crafted breads are available fresh every day in small food stores and large supermarket chains throughout the Northeast US.

Creamy Tomato Kickoff Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb. diced onions          

2 tbsp.   garlic cloves, chopped    

1 tbsp.   olive oil           

(1) 12-oz. can    tomato puree     

(6) 16-oz. can whole plum tomatoes

2 qts. vegetable stock     

½ cup oatmeal  

1 tsp. dry basil  

1 tsp. black pepper, ground        

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped         

Salt to taste

Directions:

In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until tender. Add the tomato puree and whole tomatoes, then slowly add the vegetable stock.  Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes. Slowly pour in the oatmeal while stirring. Then add the dry basil and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.  Using a stick-blender or hand-blender, puree until smooth.  A full-size blender can also be used.  Add the chopped basil and salt to taste. Makes about 8-10 servings.

Call in the fans, this crowd-pleasing soup is best when served family-style in a large bowl surrounded by slices of Chabaso’s Inside-Out Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for dipping!

Inside-Out Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 Chabaso Baguette

6 oz. sliced provolone

6 oz. sliced sharp cheddar

6 oz. sliced Swiss cheese

8 oz. cooked bacon

Directions:

Slice the baguette horizontally the entire length of the loaf. Turn both pieces crust-sides up.  Layer the cheese and bacon along the length of one crust-side. Place other piece on toppings, crust-side down. Spread soft butter on the outside top of the sandwich. Cut the loaf into 3 or 4 large pieces, depending on the size of the skillet.  Heat skillet and brown both sides of each piece, after buttering 2nd side. Remove from skillet and cut into 1” – 1.5” sections.

Enjoy this classic cheese sandwich served with a large family-size bowl of creamy tomato soup. Position sandwiches around the bowl and dip them for a flavorful halftime feast.