Tomato Soup with Cheesy Ghost Croutons

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrots; cook and stir 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add red pepper and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place half-slices of bread 2 in. apart on two baking sheets lined with greased foil. Drape a quarter-slice of cheese over each piece. Cut olive slices to resemble eyes and mouths; top cheese with olive pieces. Bake until cheese is melted, 3-5 minutes. Cool slightly.
• Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Return to pan and stir in pesto, salt and pepper; heat through. Divide soup evenly among five bowls. Top each with ghost croutons. Serve immediately.