5 Great Uses for Fresh Basil!
I walked outside this morning and couldn’t help but notice that my basil bushes are booming! Last weekend, when I sent Rick into the garden for some herbs, he needed a lesson in identification, and then was astounded that we had four substantial basil bushes competing for attention.
Basil is one of my personal favorites. I grow it year round. Just smelling my hands after I have picked basil makes me feel the lightness of summer. So what do you do with four basil bushes? EAT!
5 Easy Ways to Use Fresh Basil
- Add flavor to scrambled eggs – just cut up a couple of leaves and add.
- Add flavor to tossed green salad – toss in a handful of leaves whole
- Make basil sauce for chicken or fish – just throw some basil, olive oil and lemon juice in you blender or food processor and drizzle over the food while cooking
- Fresh Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella salad (Caprese)- use more than just your basil: Alternate slices of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with basil, olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette (proportions to your taste, but don’t use much because the fresh taste is best!)
- Classic Pesto – The real reason we have four basil bushes. Pesto is the family favorite. While this recipe is basic, feel free to adjust to what your family likes – we like extra garlic in ours. With garlic, parmesan and pine nuts it goes on everything from pasta to pizza, and it uses cups at a time!
Bon Appétit!
Leave a Comment July 15, 2010
