This is the simplest soup I would serve to a dinner party of people I didn't really know.

It's dead easy to make, very tasty, and was taught to me by my mother via her now invaluable 'Cook's Notebook'.

Enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tomato soup (cheating it may be, but if you want to be a purist and make your own, be my guest.)
• 1 and a bit cups of water
• 1/4 cup of dry cooking Sherry
• 3-4 tomatoes or equivalent amount of canned tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons of curry powder
• a dash of tabasco sauce
• 1 can crab meat - drained

Method:

1. Mangle the tomatoes.

2. Tip everything into a big pot.

3. Bring gently to the boil and simmer for 'a while'.

4. Add a big dollop (1/2 cup) of cream.

5. Serve in soup bowls with a garnish of chopped parsley and some extra cream.