When life gives you basil....

...Make basil lemonade. Seriously. Just add some crushed basil leaves to your lemonade for a refreshing bite.

...Make a basil-banana smoothie with a handful of ice cubes. Trust me on this one. The sweet and the gentle spice of basil make for a great summer morning wake-me-up!

...Make a basil, tomato, olive oil, and balsamic salad with a hint of salt and pepper.

...Make pesto, of course. One can never have enough pesto on hand. Cold or hot pasta salad. Roasted potatoes tossed with pesto. Spread on toast with a schmear of goat cheese and a slice of tomato. Mixed into scrambled eggs. As pizza sauce. For dipping carrots and other veggies. Brushed onto veggies, fish, or other grillables. Make it!
For the taste summer in the dark of winter, freeze pesto in an oiled ice cube tray so you have single servings.

When life feels busy and a bit complicated--as it often does near the end of summer--basil is lovely in its simplicity. You get so much pomp and circumstance for so little preparation. Sometimes, that's just what we need. So, when life gives you basil....keep it simple.

PESTO!

3 c. basil
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 c. parm
1/4 c. walnuts
a squeeze of lemon

Puree in a food processor until creamy. Lick the spatula clean.


Scott, the poster child for keeping it simple.