Sandra in Minnesota

This is the first year that I have ever planted basil. It grew so nicely and is deliicious. Thanks for all the tips.

lbc

I haven't tried this yet, but just saw this idea for basil in a magazine the other day. I thought it looked good.

Heat covered 5 quart pot of water to boiling on high. Add 1 lb broccoli florets. Cook 5 minutes or until crisp tender. With slotted spoon, transfer to food processor. Add 1 cup fresh basil leaves, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Puree until smooth. With processor running, ad ½ cup olive oil. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 2 ½ cups. (enough to coat 1 lb of whole wheat penne.).

Rosie the "Ripper"

I wash pick off leaves, put in freezer bags,and take out as much as I need. Just crumble in your hand instead of chopping up. Lasts a long time.

cr12cats

thanks for this post DIL loves basil but we didn't know how to keep it so will pass this info onto her.

for those that dry their fruit try slicing watermelon thinly and dry the kids love it it taste like watermelon candy. tried to save some for winter but it never made it that far. wondered why i wan't getting much out of all i put in and and caught hubby and boys taking it out as it dryed-- lol.

Zephyr

I'm drowning in Rosemary. Wish I knew how to do something with it!

luv-e

This is how I've done mine for years too :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

luv-e

Cut the stems long and hang upside down and dry in a warm place... I put mine in the large Jiffy Peanut butter Jars,,
I love to use rosemary or thyme with Deer Meat, yumm

primbears

Rosemary is in lasagne. My smallest always called them sticks.

judyjudyjudy

Last year I learned to make basil lemonade. Fantastic! add one cup of basil leaves (don't have to pack tight) to 1 cup of boiling water. stir to get leaves immersed. remove from heat, cover, let steep for 10 minutes, strain. use this "basil tea" when you make lemonade, ratio is 1 cup basil tea for a 2 qt batch of lemonade. I use Country Time lemonade - works great and everyone loves it. When i have too much basil, i make the "basil tea," add ice cubes to cool it, add 1 tablespoon instant lemonade (need this to prevent the "tea" from darkening) , pour it into a baggie/ziplock bag that has been placed in a cup, seal, and freeze for lemonade later. i "know" that the contents will be what i need for a 2 qt. batch of lemonade.

judyjudyjudy

oops --- for the basil lemonade i forgot to say that i use the basil tea as the first cup of liquid - and then add water to equal two quarts.
BASIL CAKE: (learned from an herb farm)
*add 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil to a yellow cake mix, bake as directed
*add 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil to 1 cup apricot marmalade or preserves and microwave until the preserves/marmalade is liquified.
*pour the basil apricot sauce over the hot cake as soon as comes out of oven. refrigerate the cake.
*serve with a dollop of plain cool whip OR add 2 tablespoons basil to a small tub of cool whip and use it as a topping.