The summer is here and in full swing. In the summer I integrate as many fresh ingredients as I can into the food I serve. In growing your own Herbs, the aromas and the liveliness that fresh Herbs give to your food, bring the foods to a whole different level.

     A little bit of history behind the topic of this months blog – Sweet Basil, The King of Herbs! The plant originates from India and it has now many hybrids such as Thai, Lemon, Purple and Cinnamon. The Sweet Basil plant grows between 30 – 130 cm tall. It will flower, the plant will produce small Black seeds within the flower. These are often saved and re-planted the following year. Picking the leaves helps promote growth. The plant will re-create pairs of leaves next to the top of the plant where the leaves are picked.

     The option of combining both Sweet Basil and Purple Basil on the same plate give not only a great visual, appealing plate but a fresh aromatic plate. Basil has even been seen in Ice Cream! It is versatile on all different levels of the culinary playing field. As with other fresh Herbs the flavor of Basil disappears as it is cooked. It is best used as a finishing garnish, pureed or simply added whole.

     Which leads me into a recipe that is used year round and even in the cold winter months, it will remind you of the fresh flavors of summer.

Classic Basil Pesto

                                        Ingredients

                                       2 Ounces - Fresh Basil, leaves only

2 Ounces – Parmesan Cheese

3 Each – Garlic Cloves

1&1/2 ounces – Toasted Pine Nuts

2-4 ounces – Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Method:

1) Add all ingredients – except the Olive oil, into a blender and puree.

2) Slowly drizzle the Olive Oil into the top of the Blender.

3) Taste and adjust as needed.

     The idea behind this simple recipe is that you can adjust it to taste as strong with Garlic as you would like. Some people like the nutty flavor from the Toasted Pine Nuts or the Saltiness from the Parmesan. Either way the best kept secret I can give you, freeze the Blender before you start the process. It will keep the Pesto from separating – the oil from the puree. Eat Fresh and Enjoy!