A Taste of Summer

Just cause it ain't summer doesn't mean ya can't get fresh produce, thankfully. We are SO blessed to live in place that we can get delicious fresh produce year around from all over the world!

I bought this Organic Basil in my local Redner's supermarket. Who needs to grow it in your backyard anyway?

I love the taste of fresh herbs. Basil is fantastic if you chiffonade (is that a verb?) it and mix it in with pasta.

And the tomatoes...don't get me started. Campari tomatoes are fantastic and taste very "summery."
BJs sells Campari tomatoes for about $5.99 a pack. That's A LOT of tomatoes.

Sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella slices drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette is one of my favorite "sides" at dinner.

Another of my favorite "applications" of basil is in homemade pesto. Pesto can mean a lot of things in our house.  I've been known to make it with baby spinach, cashews, and sundried tomatoes.  This time, I put a few basil leaves, some organic extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and pecorino romano cheese. No nuts.
I gave it a whirl in my mini processor and mixed it in our brown rice pasta for an easy lunch.

And, you can't go wrong with a lovely tomato and basil garnish for a free-range egg omelet.  When your 11 year old eats the garnish with the eggs, you know it's good.

What are your favorite fresh tomato and basil ideas?

(Sushi Rice post comin' right up!)

Dreaming of Summer,
The Lunch Lady