Sweet Basil
Since I spoke about lemon basil the other day, let me talk about sweet basil today. There is nothing better than the taste of fresh basil. Especially when you put it together with Jersey fresh tomatoes! I made a few things last week with those lovely ingredients.
Margherita Pizza
It doesn't get any easier than this. My husband and I decided to have a pizza cook off. We wanted to see who could make the best pizza. Of course, only we were the judges, so he thinks his pizza won, but I think mine won!!
Ingredients
~Fresh pizza dough
(They sell this in Shop Rite for $2.99 over near the deli where the store pizza's are in the refridgerated case.)
~flour (for shaping your dough)
~1 Roma tomato, sliced thin
~ Fresh basil leaves, chopped
~ Fresh mozarella
~ EVOO
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Using flour, work the dough to get your desired thickness of crust. We actually cut the entire dough ball in half to make two individual pizzas.
3. Brush a little olive oil over the surface. Top with tomatoes, cheese and basil.
4. Sprinkle a little more olive oil over top.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is cheese is completely melted and crust is golden brown.
Angel Hair Tomato Basil Toss
Ingredients
~ 1/2 cup olive oil
~ 1 teas. salt
~ 2 cloves garlic, minced
~ 1/4 teas. coarse ground black pepper
~ 1/4 cup chopped onions
~ 1/2 lb. angel hair pasta
~ 3-4 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
~ grated parmesan cheese
~ 2 Tbls. chopped fresh basil
Directions
1. In large skillet, heat oil. Add garlic and onions; stir-fry for one minute.
2. Stir in tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Prepare angel hair pasta according to package directions; drain.
4. Toss tomato mixture with hot cooked pasta. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with
parmesan cheese.
Makes 4-6 servings.
**Variation: Add 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon or 1 cup chopped cooked chicken or turkey.