La Madeleine Tomato-Basil Soup

Ingredients

4 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped, or 4 cups canned whole tomatoes, crushed

4 cups tomato juice

12 - 14 washed fresh basil leaves, plus additional for garnish, chopped

1 cup whipping cream

1/2 cup sweet, unsalted butter, softened

Salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Crusty bread (optional)

Directions

Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food processor. Add basil and process to puree; this will have to be done in batches.

Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve with fresh, crusty bread. Makes 8 servings.

Notes: When I don't have fresh basil I use 1 Tablespoon dried. You can also use half and half in place of the the heavy cream and cut back on the butter.