Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This one's for you Anya!
4 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and diced
4 cups tomato juice
14 fresh basil leaves
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup butter
salt and pepper to taste

Place tomatoes and juice in a pot over medium heat. Simmer for 30 minutes. Puree the tomato mixture along with the basil leaves in a blender. Pour back into the pot and over low to medium heat stir in cream and butter. Heat until the butter is melted. Do not boil. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Thanks to Aimee Seal for this recipe!