Basil Recipes

Basil Lemonade: in a small sauce pan, bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add 1 cup basil leaves, remove from heat, and let cool. Add a splash of the basil syrup to lemonade; garnish with basil sprigs

Basil Aioli: Mix chopped basil leaves and fresh lemon juice into mayonnaise. Serve with grilled shrimp, roasted potato wedges, or cut up raw veggies

Watermelon, Basil, and Feta Salad: Drizzle cut up watermelon with olive oil and sprinkle with crumbled Feta and torn basil leaves; season with salt and pepper

Pasta with Roasted Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Basil: Toss cherry tomatoes and diced eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400 degrees F. Toss with cooked penne and torn basil leaves; dollop with ricotta and drizzle with olive oil

Prosciutto Sandwich with basil and avocado: Drizzle split ciabatta with olive oil and fill with prosciutto, sliced avocado, and whole basil leaves

Real Simple: July 2010