BASIL ...

Thank you Maureen and Roel for the bunches of fresh vegetables from your garden, there was kale , rhubarb, cauliflowers and the most magnificent bunch of freshly picked basil . Basil's mouthwatering aroma makes it a versatile herb to use with many different types of foods . It is best known for its affinity with tomatoes and tomato based dishes . It also works well with eggplants , zucchini , marrow , squash and spinach . Basil added during the last half hour of cooking gives zest to pea soup as well as lentil soup . Basil is delicious with cream cheese in sandwiches , sliced cucumbers and gives salads a magical lift . Basil is excellent in all pasta dishes and goes well with poultry , veal ,liver , kidneys , fish and shellfish . I make my own savoury vinegar by placing the fresh basil leaves in bottles of vinegar and steeping them for a few weeks ... Needless to say , basil alway has a place in my kitchen .