Christina's Roasted Red Pepper Soup

from Café Johnsonia

1 lb. precooked frozen shrimp, thawed (optional)
3 fresh roasted red bell peppers
1 small can tomato paste
3 cups chicken stock
a few dashes Tabasco sauce
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
optional garnish: sour cream

Roughly chop the shrimp.

Using a blender or food processor, puree the roasted red peppers and 1 cup of the chicken stock. Add the rest of the chicken stock and pepper mixture to a large 3 quart pot and heat. Add the tomato paste and whisk until smooth. Add the hot sauce, lemon juice, cream and cheese. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings.

To serve:
Ladle hot soup into four large shallow bowls. If desired, top soup with a dollop of sour cream (not fat-free) and stir until smooth. Divide the chopped shrimp (if using) evenly between the four bowls. Serve.