Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup

crm_of_tomato_soup

2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
½ bay leaf
½ tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
Fresh chopped basil

Combine first 5 ingredients in a saucepan, simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain mixture. In a saucepan melt butter, blend in flour, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute. Stir in milk and cook until thickened. Slowly stir in hot tomato mixture. Heat thoroughly. Sprinkle with basil. Serves 4.