TOMATO ASPIC

Steps:

• Core tomatoes; coarsely chop.Working in batches, transfer to a food processor or food mill. Process to a rough puree.
• Rinse two 24-inch square pieces of cheesecloth.Wring out cheesecloth; layer pieces in a large glass bowl. Pour puree into cheesecloth; gather up ends, and cinch with kitchen twine. Tie ends of cloth together to make a loop. Hang sack from a cupboard door, placing bowl directly underneath to collect juices.
• Let drain at least 1 hour; liquid will be pale. Transfer it to a large glass measuring cup, and set aside.
• Squeeze bundle over emptied bowl to extract remaining liquid; pour into another measuring cup. You should have about 4 cups dark-red tomato juice; if needed, add enough reserved pale liquid to make 4 cups. Pass juice through a fine sieve into a bowl. Discard pale liquid.
• Place 1 cup tomato juice in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over liquid; let soften, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan; stir over very low heat until gelatin dissolves. Stir in some of the juice to lower the temperature of the gelatin mixture, then add remaining juice and salt.
• Pour mixture into a 9-by-4 3/4-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until jelled, at least 1 hour. To unmold: Slide a knife around inside edge of pan.Wrap loaf pan in a hot towel, and invert onto a serving platter. Garnish with basil sprigs.