Preserve Now - Enjoy Later!

Do you ever miss the taste of fresh Basil in the dead of winter? Many of us prefer to use fresh herbs in our cooking and we miss being able to harvest a sprig of this or a few leaves of that right out of our gardens or from our patio pots and planters.
Here are some tips on how to preserve fresh Basil leaves that will leave you with that great Basil flavor all year long:

1. Wash Basil leaves in cold water; spin dry or dry between paper towels;

2. In a clean plastic container with a lid, pour a little olive oil to cover the bottom;

3. Add a single layer of Basil leaves, then more oil, then more Basil leaves;

4. Press down and finish with oil;

5. Press out any air to seal and refrigerate.

This will last all through the winter! Don't forget about that Basil-infused oil you now have storing your fresh Basil leaves - use it to cook with or to enhance your meals.

Enjoy!

Ellie's Basil Chicken Salad with Yogurt and Grapes

You'll LOVE this recipe! It's so easy and versatile - try adding walnuts, diced apples, or celery. Great on crackers or, for fun, try grilled Artesan Parmesan bread. Let us know how you prepared it. You may want to double this recipe for some delicious leftovers!