Ingredients and Directions

If a person loves herbs, they love basil. It seems to be everyone's

favorite herb and the recipes that take advantage of this fresh and

spicy leaf are endless.

I personally think if you can only grow two plants it should be a pot of

tomatoes and a pot of basil. With these two plants and a few basic

pantry items you can treat yourself to gourmet fare!

Growing Basil

Basil is an annual, and is easily grown from seed. There are over two dozen

types of basil including lettuce−leaf which has large leaves, cinnamon

basil and the purple leafed varieties. Basil is not frost tolerant at all, so be

sure to only plant after the soil has warmed completely.

Though it needs full sun, basil does need more moisture than some herbs,

so keep it watered; especially in pots.

You can bring basil inside as a window herb if you plant the seeds in pots

during warm weather and bring inside to grow in a bright and sunny window

when cold.

Using and Preserving Basil

Basil can be frozen, dried, or preserved in oil and it's delicious

however you choose to preserve it.

Basil is also available year round in most produce sections. Add leaves to

salads or sandwiches along with your lettuce. Add basil to sautés or soups

at the last minute to preserve flavor.

Basil is also wonderful in herbal vinegars. Try mixing it with oregano

and thyme.

Source: freecookingrecipes.net