Copycat Panera Bread Creamy Tomato Soup

Vine-ripened pear tomatoes pureed with fresh cream for a velvety smooth flavor accentuated by hints of red pepper and oregano.  Adding baking soda to the tomatoes keeps the milk from curdling.

5 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
5 tablespoons flour
4 cups milk
1/2 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups crushed tomatoes

Melt the Butter in a soup pot.
Add the onion and

cook by medium heat, stirring, until the onion is softened but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour by the butter mixture and continue to stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly add the milk, bay leaf, sugar, and salt and continue to cook and stir until slightly thickened.
Stir the baking soda into the tomatoes.
Add the tomatoes to the milk, and bring just to a simmer.