La Madeleine's Tomato-Basil Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, cored, peeled, and chopped (8-10) or 4 cups canned whole tomatoes, crushed
• 4 cups tomato juice (or part vegetable or part chicken stock)
• 12 -14 basil leaves, washed fresh
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 lb sweet unsalted butter
• salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• lemon juice (optional)