La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup

4 cups tomatoes (8 to 10), peeled, cored and chopped,
    or 4 cups whole tomatoes, crushed
4 cups unsalted tomato juice
12 to 14 fresh basil leaves
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sweet unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Salt, to taste

Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium low heat. Cool slightly, then place in blender. Add basil and process to pur