Secret Ingredient Tomato Soup

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onions 3-5 minutes or until they start to soften and turn translucent. Stir in garlic and cook another minute. Pour in tomatoes, chicken stock, pesto, sugar, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf and puree the soup using an immersion blender. (A regular blender works just fine as well. If you use a regular blender, you may have to process it in small batches. And make sure to be careful blending a hot liquid.) Stir in half-and-half and heat through. Serve hot.