Spring has officially sprung! How many Instagram stories have you seen recently that are highlighting seed packets? The green thumb trend is growing and people are getting more and more excited about growing their own food, particularly city dwellers in high rise buildings. What are you going to grow on a 2x2 balcony, you wonder? Herbs, baby! A simple wooden box or a few little pots can have you picking fresh herbs all summer long with minimal work and care.
Last year I had the opportunity of being not only in the same city but home, so much more that I took the time to build a little herb garden on our front stoop. Mint, rosemary, parsley and basil not only were such a convenience at arms reach for any meal but they looked so FRESH as plant décor! The mint was a bit of a menace. We called it “Mighty Mint” to it’s face but my goodness, we could not control it in such a small area. The basil though… my heart lays with basil. Given that Italian food is my go-to for any meal of the week, it was necessary for me to grow my own and STOP paying $2.49 at Whole Foods each time I needed it. Basil has some secret healing properties but the trick I want you to try next time you have some in your hands, is to simply inhale it. Breathe deep. Way back when I was a younger woman, day dreaming about my future wedding, for some reason I always pictured having basil dotted throughout my bouquet. I can’t say why that thought always made it onto the “must haves” but it was always there. I can only guess that inherently I knew I would want that scent under my face to calm me of any pre wedding jitters. Each time I buy basil, and I do this with most produce but basil specifically, I don’t just check it for browning, I naturally go to inhale the leaves like it’s a bouquet of flowers.
As it turns out, basil has some healing properties. It contains magnesium that improves blood flow and allows your muscles and blood vessels to RELAX. It also helps to reduce blood pressure plus the plant contains essential oils that help lower your cholesterol. Not surprising given how prominent it is in Mediterranean cuisine…the Italians will outlive us all! So next time you’re panicking in the grocery store after a long day and someone stole your parking space, head to produce, grab the basil, inhale, then throw it into your basket to whip up my stunning Basil and Pine Nut Pesto. I like this simply on pasta because I grew up eating it that way. I also try to have some in the freezer as much as I can to defrost and simply top white fish to broil for a quick fix supper! The pine nuts are a little pricey but if you can find them in bulk, the flavour combination is unbeatable. Give it a whirl and share your dish with the @katescustomkitchen tag on Instagram!
Basil Pine Nut Pesto
In a food processor, add:
· 3 x whole garlic cloves
· 3 cups of loosely packed basil leaves
· 2/3 cup of freshly grated parmigiana
· ½ cup toasted pine nuts (I like to toast them to release their oils = FREE FLAVOUR)
· 2/3 cup Olive Oil (as high quality as you have)
· (a touch of) Sea Salt & Pepper
Blend until smooth. Mix with your favourite pasta or top onto fresh Halibut. Freeze simply in an air tight container and use a touch of stock or pasta water to loosen after defrosting.
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