(Copycat) La Madeline's Tomato Basil Soup

This is the closest I have managed to copying the Tomato Basil soup at La Madeline. This is the best soup for cold winter nights, and I have yet to meet anyone who did not like it.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 4  cups whole canned tomatoes (or 8-10 fresh peeled, and chopped)
• 4  cups tomato juice, & broth mix of (50/50, I used vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian)
• 8  basil leaves, chopped finely or 1  tablespoon dried basil
• 1  cup  cream
• 8  tablespoons sweet unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Combine tomatoes, tomato juice and broth in a saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Puree with basil in the blender. Make sure that this is smooth - I always strain it.
3. Return to saucepan. Add cream and butter while stirring over low heat.
4. Serve and enjoy!