Tomato soup base, from cans.

2 big Italian  cans of whole tomatoes.
 1 little can of tomato paste.
1 Qt. chicken broth.
1 tsp. white vinegar.
10 tbl sugar.
3 tsp chili powder.
1 tsp salt.
2 tsp basil.
1 cup cream.
2 cups milk.
1/4 tsp instant coffee powder.- did this really help?

Grab the dutch oven, dump in the cans of whole tomatoes. Mash 'em up with a potato masher.

Dump in the can of tomato paste and the chicken broth. Mix this all together and start adding heat. Bring it to a boil.

Once your liquid is boiling, add in all the rest of the ingredients except the milk & cream.  At this point you can taste it and do adjustments, if you so deem it necessary.

Everything to your liking? Pour in the milk & cream. Bring it back to a boil and you are done.