Cream of Tomato Soup

Name: Cream of Tomato Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes packed in juice; 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 large shallots, minced (about 1/2 cup); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Pinch ground allspice; 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons brandy or dry sherry (optional); Salt and cayenne pepper; 3 ounces cheese (preferably cheddar, but a combination of cheese will work too), coarsely grated (about 3/4 cup); 4 slices (1/2 inch-thick) from white sandwich bread (ATK likes Pepperidge Farm Toasting White); 2 tablespoons butter (preferably salted), melted