Neighbor brought us a huge bunch of basil, besides pizza, what can I use it on or for?

I grow basil, oregano, and rosemary leaves. I use it fresh, and also dry..turning bunches upside down and hanging them until dried for winter months..!

TOMATO BASIL w/Pasta

1/2 c. olive oil

4 cloves garlic or more cut or sliced as desired

1/4 c. sliced green onions or diced cooking onion

3 lg. garden tomatoes, diced

4 large leaves fresh basil, roll separately and slice while rolled for string type pieces..

1 tsp. salt (optional.)

1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

1 lg. pkg. of pasta, I prefer angel hair or other type very thin pasta

In large skillet, heat oil. Add garlic and green onions; stir fry for one minute. Stir in tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper; cook for two minutes, stirring frequently. Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Toss tomato mixture with hot cooked pasta and grating cheese and hot pepper flakes to top.. Serves 4 to 6

~ You can add fresh basil to all type salads, soups, omelette's, sandwiches, make pesto sauce, eggplant w/basil marinara, dips, add to cottage cheese, and much more....MMMmmm taste so good.. :)

Lucky you!

I would put the basil in a food processor with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Puree it and put it in an ice cube tray. When it's frozen take them out and store them in a plastic bag in the freezer. When you want a pop of flavor in soup or stews or pastas or to throw on top of a pizza just take a cube out. They will last for months and taste quite good.

Thick slices of farm bread, chop nice tomatoes and take out the seeds, rub bread with olive oil, place tomatoes and chopped fresh basil leaves with finely chopped onion onto the bread, in the oven until golden and you have bruschetta.

If you fancy, add some mozzarella on top. Gorgeous!

Alternatively, make a tomato soup and add loads of basil at the end.

Enjoy!

Toss pasta with some olive oil, and add some basil to it. That and other italian herbs such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, and italian spices blend are really good with pasta. Or buy a loaf of bread (not pre-sliced) and cut into pieces. Drizzle olive oil on them and season with basil and other italian herbs. 350 degree oven about 12 minutes or so. You'll be addicted, I'm telling you.

For starters, yes, make lots of pizza with fresh basil, they are unbelievable. If you ever snack on block cheese sliced, put a leave of basil on it when you eat it. Frozen garlic bread or bruschetta with the addition of fresh basil before cooking is delicious. Last nite my boyfriend made potatoes on the grill, halved, olive oil, salt, pepper and a piece of bacon and basil on top. Also, if you ever grill halved tomatoes on the grill, cover with olive oil and basil leaves.

Basil enhances the flavor of eggs and cheese. Add basil flakes to eggs when making omelettes / scrambled eggs. Try it at other recipes that have eggs or cheese (like pasta).

You can use it for many things;

- you can use it in cocktails

- you can freeze it and use as and when you need it

- you can dry it out

- you can use it in pasta

- you use it in ice cubes

- Make basil butter, get butter to room temp and add basil and then refrigerate

- Make pesto

- Make soup with it

There are many uses besides pizza and pasta such as, tear them into little pieces and sprinkle them over salad, Make a tonic to cure indigestion, dry them out and make a pot purri or you can rub the oils on a bee sting.

http://allrecipes.com/Search/Recipes.aspx?WithTerm...

Recipes galore on the site above.

I would recommend

Bruschetta

A traditional topping of roma tomatoes, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Served with toasted ciabatta or Italian bread.

Make pesto.