what to do with fresh basil

[dazeek2]

A friend of mine gave me a big bag of fresh basil. Although I use jared basil from time to time for cooking, I have no idea what to do with it! I hate for it to go to waste. Can I dry it out for later use or does anyone have any ideas as to what to do with a quantity of fresh basil?

[lampladies]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

Pesto
dry it for the future
make a short pasta sauce with fresh tomatoes
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, basil! Laura

[janabanana]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

I had Tomato and Basil soup that was good.

[Machele]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

I would make pesto. I typically make a gallon of it a year, and hen freeze it in little jars or ziplock bags.

Last year I also chopped it and drizzled it in olive oil and froze 1 Tablespoon in small ziplock bags (I get the tiny bags from Michaels craft store).

[LAM3]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

Brucshetta (sp?). Fresh mozzarella, basil, red onion and tomato with basamic vinegarette salad. Fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil pizza.

Yummy!!

[love all recipes]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

Here are a few things that I just love..love all recipes




Tomato Basil Dip

Recipe By :Love All Recipes
Serving Size : 14 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 ounces cream cheese -- softened
4 Roma tomatos -- chopped
4 Tablespoons Zesty Italian Dressing
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons fresh basil

Spread softened cheese into the bottom of a 9 inch pie pan. Mix tomatoes and dressing;spoon over cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and basil. Serve with wheat thins or veggies. Enjoy!!

Yield:
"1 3/4 "





Fresh Tomato Tart

Recipe By :Love All Recipes
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 Pastry Dough (I used Pillsbury rolled refrigerated dough)
2 Fresh Tomatoes (depending on size) -- (2 to 4)
8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil (chopped)
Virgin Olive Oil
Nature's Seasoning


· Preheat Oven to 400°;
· Roll out pastry dough into a tart dish;
· Add cheese evenly on top of pie dough;
· Add chopped basil evenly on top of cheese;
· Place sliced tomatoes on top covering completely (can even have tomatoes slightly overlapping)
· Sprinkle generously with olive oil;
· Top off with Nature's Seasoning; and
· Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Note: Cover edges of pie shell with strips of foil while baking.

[jewels]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

Bruschetta
tomatoes (roma) chopped and seeded
red onion chopped
fresh basil
good seasons dry italian dressing packet
olive oil

mix all and let marinate for several hours

Brush baguette with olive oil on both sides and warm up in oven.

Top with tomato mix and warm, put on some fresh parmesan cheese and brown up.


Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad Recipe
5 min | 5 min prep

SERVES 4 , 1 serving dish

4 large tomatoes
2 cups mozzarella cheese
8-10 leaves fresh basil
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
balsamic vinegar (optional)
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese same thickness.
Arrange the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil alternating in a circle around a decorative serving dish.
Drizzle with olive oil (and balsamic vinegar if desired).
Serve with salt and pepper to individual taste.

[jacksmimi]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

Stack and Roll leaves tightly; slice as thin as you can;
Put in ice cube trays; top trays with water and freeze.
When frozen, pop the basil cubes, store in a zip-lock bag.
Easy add-to for soups, stews, sauces, etc.

[paki]

Re: what to do with fresh basil

I have a lot of basil in my garden now, and I have been making pesto and freezing some for future use.

Pesto:
3 Cups loosely packed fresh basil
3/4 Cup olive oil
1/4 Cup pine nuts
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Put basil, oil, pine nuts, garlic and salt into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Pour sauce into a small bowl. Add parmesan cheese. Mix to blend.
When I freeze the pesto, I do not add the parmesan cheese as it will darken the pesto. When I am ready to use the pesto, I let it thaw, then add the cheese before serving.
Yields 1 Cup