Beautiful Basil

Basil... I love to smell it... Such a clean fresh scent.  Mmmm... can you smell it?

Ok, ok, I know this isn't a garden magazine worthy specimum, but it's my very own little basil plant...

In my very own little herb garden.

Didn't get your basil planted  this year?  No worries!  You can buy fresh basil in most markets.  

How to choose:

You want the leaves to be bright green, and whole.  There should a nice fresh fragrance.

How to store:

If the roots are attached (that's great), but the bunch in a few inches of water in glass and leave at room temperature.  Otherwise, wrap in a damp paper towel, put in a plastic bag, and store in the fridge.  Should last 5-7 days.

How to prepare:

Basil tends to be sandy so be sure you rinse it very well.  Use a sharp knife to cut.  If you need to cut a bunch at one time, stack & roll them lengthwise (like a cigar) then slice.

So... what so I plan to do with my bounty of delicious, fresh basil?  Well, for starters I made a delicious Caprese Salad.  Here's what you'll need to make one too...






Caprese Salad
thick slices of tomatoes (about 3 med. tomatoes)
fresh Mozzarella cheese, sliced close to the same size as the tomatoes (about a pound)
20-25 leaves of fresh basil
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper

Arrange the tomato slices on a platter, alternating with slices of the cheese. Add a basil leaf to each slice of tomato & each slice of cheese.  Drizzle with olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, salt & pepper to taste.  I can't even begin to describe how easy-peasy and scrumptious this salad is!  You're going to love it!

                                                                                                     Keep Shining!

The Woo-Hoo Gal

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.