Tomato sauce

Directions

1. 1
   Heat one tablespoon of the butter in a casserole or saucepan, and add the shallots, onions, garlic and thyme.
2. 2
   Cook, stirring, until the onions are wilted.
3. 3
   Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and pepper, and bring to the boil, stirring.
4. 4
   Cover closely and let simmer 15 minutes.
5. 5
   There should be about three and one-half cups.
6. 6
   Pour the mixture into the container of a food processor or electric blender and blend thoroughly.
7. 7
   Return the mixture to a saucepan and add the cream.
8. 8
   Bring to the boil and let simmer about five minutes, stirring.
9. 9
   Put the sauce through a sieve or, preferably, a food mill, stirring to extract as much liquid as possible from any solids.
10. 10
    Reheat and swirl in the remaining two tablespoons of butter.