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1
Set a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
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2
Add the olive oil and once hot, add the onions, carrots and celery to the pan.
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3
Saute the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots are soft, 4 to 5 minutes.
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4
Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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5
Add the tomato paste, the tomatoes and their juices to the pan and stir to incorporate.
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6
Continue to cook until the liquid comes to a boil.
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7
Add the chicken stock and marjoram to the pan and return to a boil.
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8
Reduce to a simmer, season with the salt and pepper, and cook until the flavors have married, about 30 minutes.
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9
Remove the soup from the heat and, using an immersion blender, or in batches in a bar blender, puree the soup until smooth.
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10
Return the soup to the heat and add the balsamic vinegar and heavy cream to the soup.
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11
Cook for 5 minutes, stir the basil, and serve immediately with the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
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12
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches:
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13
Combine the cheeses and set aside.
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14
Lay 10 slices of bread out on a clean surface.
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15
Carefully fold 2 slices of prosciutto onto the bread being sure that the prosciutto does not reach over the edge of the bread.
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16
Lay between 9 and 12 slices of mushrooms over the prosciutto in 1 layer, and top with 1/4 cup of the cheese.
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17
Place a piece of bread on top of the sandwich and brush with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
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18
Heat a grill pan over medium heat and once hot, place 2 sandwiches, olive oil side down on the grill.
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19
Brush the exposed side of the sandwich with another teaspoon or so of olive oil.
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20
Use a grill press or another pan to weight the sandwiches.
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21
Cook the sandwiches for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown grill marks have formed and the cheese is beginning to melt.
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22
Turn to the other side and cook for another, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until crispy and the cheese is melted.
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23
Remove from the grill and cut in half diagonally.
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24
Continue to cook the remaining 8 sandwiches in the same manner.
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25
Serve each sandwich with a cup of the soup.
