Remove the stalks of the tomatoes, cut each one into four pieces, then put them into a stewpan with a little water, a bay-leaf, and a sprig of basil, and season with pepper and salt to taste; now boil till thoroughly done, and turn out on to a hair sieve, allowing them to stand for a minute or so in order that all the water may drain off, which throw away; then pass the tomatoes through a sieve with a wooden spoon, beat up the pulp well with a good lump of butter, then dress previously boiled macaroni with this and plenty of grated Parmesan or any good strongly-flavored cheese which will grate well.