Basil Bounty

Basil is traditionally found in Italian, Mediterranean and Thai cooking. But its mildly peppery flavor with hints of mint and clove lends itself to many cooking styles. It’s an ideal complement to tomatoes, as well as eggplant, squash, spinach, zucchini and other mild vegetables. Basil also enhances poultry stuffing, salads, soups and pasta sauces...and is a star ingredient in pesto.

Store dried basil in a cool dark place. Bunches of fresh basil may be frozen in plastic bags. Just break off a few frozen leaves when you need them. The well-seasoned dishes here are all big on basil. Enjoy!

Pesto Shrimp Pasta
A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.

Garden-Fresh Bruschetta
Field editor Rachel Garcia of Honolulu, Hawaii shared the recipe for this easy-to-fix bruschetta. Serve it as an appetizer or as a colorful side dish.

Stir-Fried Basil Chicken
Fresh basil is a standout in this easy-to-make entree from Mildred Sherrer, a field editor in Fort Worth, Texas.