Basil!!!

Last weekend I planted a lovely basil plant in one of my backyard raised beds and it's thriving. It was a good size when it went in the ground, so we've already been able to enjoy some of it's deliciousness - including bruschetta and a basil julep cocktail...

The Best Bruschetta Ever

• 4 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced (I like Roma)
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely diced 
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped 
• 2 tsp italian seasoning
• a good drizzle of
• salt & pepper to taste

Mix all of the ingredients and let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve atop toasted baguette or other good bread. 

Basil Julep

Whisky = yummy. Basil = yummy. This cocktail = really yummy. 

Per cocktail:

2 oz whiskey 

2-3 fresh basil leaves

2 tsp simple syrup

ice 

Muddle the whiskey and basil leaves in the shaker, then add the simple syrup and ice...shake.  Serve with a pretty little basil leaf on top.