Shaker Stewed Tomatoes

1 qt. tomatoes
1/2 c. light cream or rich milk
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. cracker crumbs*
1 tbsp. butter or margarine

Heat tomatoes. Add the cream and baking soda. Allow to simmer several minutes. Add the cracker crumbs. Simmer until cracker crumbs have swelled. Add the sugar, and salt. Just before serving, add the butter; allow to melt. If you wish you may add a dollop of ketchup. This is a very old Shaker recipe and has been used by all the Communities where it has always been a great favorite. *Use saltines rolled fine. If using saltless crackers, increase salt a little more than stated.