how could it possibly already feel like winter

cold and rainy and "how could it possibly already feel like winter" day! today is a perfect for this...

i know i have shared this family favorite recipe before...but its that time of year to break it out again and i thought you might like the reminder!

*Tomato Basil Soup

{ the closest recipe for LaMadeleine's Tomato Basil Soup I have ever tried! }
-4 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped, or canned whole tomatoes, crushed
-4 cups tomato juice OR part tomato juice and part vegetable or chicken stock
-14 washed fresh basil leaves {or dried}
-1 cup heavy cream
-1/4 pound sweet, unsalted butter
-Salt to taste
-black pepper to taste

Combine tomatoes, juice/and or stock in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes. Puree, along with the basil leaves, in small batches, in blender, food processor (or better yet, one of those handy hand-held food blenders, right in the cooking pan). Return to saucepan and add cream and butter, while stirring, over low heat. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with your favorite bread.