Fresh Tomato Bisque

2 pounds ripe tomatoes (about 6)
1 onion, sliced thin
1 tablespoon butter
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 whole cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
1 pint light cream
1 cup milk
6 large toasted butter croutons
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Skin and seed the tomatoes. Saut