How to Grow Basil

All About Basil...

Basil...just the aroma can transport you to Italy.  This amazing herb is versatile, tasty, and easy to grow.  From simple salads to pasta sauces to meat dishes, the distinctive taste of basil will seduce you and make you look for more an more ways to use it!

Growing basil

Recipe: Basil Pesto

Pesto is a lovely way to enjoy the bold fresh taste of basil.  It tastes like Spring!

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor.  Pulse together until the ingredients are coarsely chopped. With the blender running, add the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Transfer the pesto to bowl and add the cheese, stirring to combine.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Serve immediately as a topping for fresh cooked pasta, or with toasted rounds of Italian bread.

Recipe: Bruschetta

This is a wonderful appetizer or a charming snack with a glass of good wine!

Ingredients

• 8 ripe Roma tomatoes
• 1/4 cup packed basil
• 3-4 medium cloves garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Loaf of Italian bread or French bread, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Rough chop the tomatoes so they are about 1/2 inch and place in or wide mouth jar with a bowl a lid.  Mince the garlic and add to the jar.  Rough chop the basil and add to the jar.  Add salt and pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon of each.  Add enough olive oil to just barely cover the tomatoes.  Cover the jar and shake to combine; place in refrigerator to marinate.  When ready to serve, slice the bread and toast it either in the oven or on the grill.  To serve, top the bread with the tomato topping and grate parmesan cheese over it.  Serve immediately.  Approximately 8 servings.