- Although basil has been cultivated worldwide, Egypt is the principal source, followed by the United States.
- Romans believed Basil was a symbol of love and fertility. Over the years, it became a custom for young Italian suitors to wear a sprig of basil as a sign of their marital intentions.
- Basil, Rosemary, Lavender and Oregano are all a part of the mint family.
- It is believed that Alexander the Great brought Basil to the Greeks in 350BC.
- Egyptians scattered Basil leaves over their resting places.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Simple-Garlic-and-Basil-Pesto/Detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Pesto-Pizza/Detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Striped-Pesto-Dip/Detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cream-of-Tomato-Soup-with-Pesto/Detail.aspx
Try and enjoy some of the wonderful Basil recipes posted above. Let me know the results and post some additional recipes of your own. Until next time....
Litina:)
Here's a wonderful recipe from Paula Deen that is Weight Watcher friendly as well:
ReplyDeletengredients
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 2 (8-ounce) tilapia fillets
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaves
* 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a shallow 1-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
Sprinkle the fish evenly with salt and pepper. Arrange the tilapia in a baking dish and sprinkle evenly with basil, oregano, onion powder and garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the fish, and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake until fish flakes easily with fork, about 20 to 25 minutes. Squeeze the lemon juice over fish and serve immediately.