Tag Archives: Basil

Time for More Basil

Posted on by Laurie

Back in early October, we had unseasonably cold weather.  So I snipped about a dozen branches from the basil plants in my garden and put them into water, hoping to extend their usable life by a few weeks. To my surprise they rooted and thrived in my kitchen. (I was surprised because I have never had luck keeping potted basil plants inside.) To my even greater surprise, I was able to keep them going for six months … well at least one of them. Because I used their leaves all winter, I am down to the last stem on my last branch. They were incredibly easy to keep going. I just changed the water and washed out the jars about once a week. What a wonderful, unexpected run of fresh basil. It is still too early to put new plants into the ground, as basil is not very cold hardy. However, I can start a few pots and just bring them in when the temperatures are about to dip too low. Yay! No need to be without this wonderful herb!

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Have a lovely weekend!

Watermelon Dinner Salad

Posted on by Laurie

The other day I came across a recipe for a watermelon, tomato and red onion salad which was the inspiration for my Watermelon Dinner Salad.  The flavors of watermelon and tomato blend surprising well and the cranberries add a little tang. This is a refreshing dish for summer and can be served as a light meal or as a first course.

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Watermelon Dinner Salad

serves 6

For the Dressing:

1/3 c. Raspberry-infused White Balsamic Vinegar (or any similar fruity vinegar)

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 T. honey

1/2 t. salt

For the Salad:

5 c. seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 c. sliced ripe tomatoes

1 1/4 c. sliced, peeled cucumbers

8 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into slices then torn into small pieces

1 – 1/2  heads romaine lettuce

Garnishes:

1/4 c. fresh basil leaves

1/3 c. dried cranberries

freshly ground pepper (I use a green and pink peppercorn blend)

honey

Directions:

1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar. Screw the lid on and shake until ingredients are well-blended.

2. In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella and dressing. Chill for about 1 hour before serving.

3. Just before serving, wash and dry lettuce and basil.  Divide lettuce between plates. Top with salad.  Garnish with basil leaves, dried cranberries and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle with a little extra honey. Enjoy!

Pasta with Raw Tomato Sauce

Posted on by Laurie

This dish is probably my favorite way to enjoy fresh tomatoes in the summer. It is delicious and easy to make. The key is to have very ripe tomatoes.

Ingredients (measurements approximate)

2 servings of pasta

3 c. diced raw tomatoes at room temperature

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

8 fresh basil leaves, shredded, plus extras for garnish

1 T. fresh thyme leaves

sea salt, to taste

crushed red pepper flakes, optional

several dashes balsamic vinegar

1/2 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese

While pasta is cooking, combine tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, thyme, sea salt and red pepper flakes. When pasta is done, drain and divide between two bowls. Top with raw tomato sauce. Dress with balsamic vinegar. Top with Parmesan cheese, garnish with basil leaves, and serve right away.