Preheat oven to 500 degrees.  Combine 1/2 cup of broth, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl.  Place garlic, onion, and tomatoes in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.  Pour broth mixture over tomato mixture.  Bake at 500 degrees for 50 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned.  Stir twice while cooking.

Place tomato mixture in a blender.  Add remaining 1/2 cup broth and half-and-half, and process until smooth.  Strain mixture through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids (optional).  Garnish with cracked black pepper, if desired.  4 servings.