Tomato Basil Soup

By Kristen Harmon

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 1/2 cup sweet unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 4 cups unsalted tomato juice
• 4 cups tomatoes (8-10) peeled, cored and chopped or 4 cups whole tomatoes crushed
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan.
2. simmer for 30 minutes over medium low heat
3. cool slightly, then place in blender
4. add basil and process to purée
5. this will have to be done in batches
6. return mixture to saucepan
7. add butter and cream
8. stir over low heat until butter and cream are incorporated
9. stir in salt and pepper before serving