Photo courtesy of Pantry Garden Herbs
Genovese basil, with its broad, crinkled green leaves, is perhaps the most familiar variety of Ocimum basilicum, but there are more than 40 cultivars.
All basils belong to the Lamiaceae family of mints, so most have at least faint hints of that, but notes of anise, cinnamon, and clove are also common.
There is no basil preparation more classic than pesto.
For a flavorful garnish: spread pesto in a thin sheet and dry it in a dehydrator.
Serves 6 Ingredients: -1 packed cup fresh basil leaves -1 cup sugar -1 cup fresh lemon juice -3 cups water -12 ounces gin
Instructions: Combine sugar and basil in a food processor and process until finely ground. Scrape basil-sugar into a small bowl and pour the lemon juice over. Set aside, stirring occasionally, until sugar melts. Combine with water and gin in an ice-cream maker until slushy. Garnish with a sprig of basil
Try using the basil-sugar mixture to bake flavorful chocolate biscuits.
No ice cream maker? No worries. Just place the mixture in a shallow glass bowl in your freezer and rake with a fork every 20 minutes or so until you achieve the right texture.
Photo courtesy of Pantry Garden Herbs