HOW TO: Harvest Basil

We had HUGE organic gardens growing up, back then organic was just organic (not that I am that old!!) but chemicals were not really used.  We didn't have a crazy fancy sprinkler system so we would roll out the hose every day and water our plants, luckily there were some days when mother nature took care of that for us.  When you have a huge garden, you have to do a lot of weeding.  Which I remember not enjoying, I was into the tasting part the most. My mom has a green thumb, she grew the seeds from inception and then transplanted them to the garden when they were ready to take larger roots.  ANYWAYS... fast forward 20 years I now have container gardens but have hopes to plant a garden next spring from seeds.  My plants this year were small when I bought them and now they are over growing their containers.

All of my plants are doing exceptionally well this year.  I can attribute most of that to all the heavy rain we have been getting.  Also, to my husband picking up my slack and watering the plants when I am not able to (or to lazy to do).  Amongst all my produce, what stands out the most to me is my basil.  My native Indian plant is used in my kitchen about 4 times a week, if not more!  I wanted to share with you my secrets of harvesting this yummy plant.



Harvesting and Growing Tips

Snip leaves from the top, this gives the bottom leaves a chance for more sun.
Water EVERY day!

Give plenty of sunlight 

Flowering Basil Plant

Grow outside in warmer months

Plant mid spring (bring in if gets below 40 deg) 

Keep harvesting, it helps the plant to continue to grow--Even if you don't use it dry out and use in winter. 

Deflower; if your plant flowers, this means it is at maximum growth and will go back to seed state. (I learned that from a tree expert this weekend) Just pinch off the stems that are flowering.
If you let the plant go to seed, these seeds can be collected and planted the following season, you might want to let a few go to seed and then use them for next year.
Basil is a Perennial if it doesn't freeze, cultivate for next year by bringing in doors in early winter.

Caprese Sandwich 

Ideas for Foods with Basil 

Caprese Salad

Pizza Margarita 

Salads

Turkey Meatballs

Roast Beef, Motzerella and Basil Sandwich

Chicken Parmesan

Burgers 

Pesto

Lasagna 

Sea Food

Tomato Basil Soup

Eggs
The list goes on..... !!!

Chiken Parmesean

Caprese Salad

Health Benefits:

Helps protect white blood cells and prevents them from oxygen damage

Fights unwanted bacterial growth internally in our bodies

Adding it to uncooked foods such as salads also promotes reduction in bacteria that might be found in other veggies

Anti-Inflammatory

Promotes Cardiovascular health 

Vitamin A

Beta-Carotene 

Magnesium 

Iron

Calcium 

Potassium

Vitamin C

Tastes amazing which makes you happy and produces endorphin's (I made that one up!)

Hope you reach for the fresh basil next time your cooking!! 

DIY: Coffee Table

If your like me you probably think everything is either over priced  for what it is, just plain boring or for us to expensive to buy for our temp situation.  We have been going back and forth about getting furniture for our patio because we will be moving soon and do not want to buy twice if it doesn't work out at the new place.  I wanted to share the steps of this do it yourself built in succulent table that I made for around $50.00 (includes the wood, plants, nails, rocks, stain and brush).  I also had some wood left over and made 3 flower boxes.   

DIY Succulent Table

First you have to draft the plans and decide on the size.  Then take your measurements/plan to Home Depot and pick out the wood.  You most likely will need to make cuts depending on the size of your table.  I asked them to cut the wood for me (I do not have a power saw), they are super helpful and will actually cut it for free, its the Home Depot way!  I had left over wood, and took it with me to make flower/plant boxes.

Flower boxes (used leftover wood)

Unloaded all the materials and started constructing when you get home (see picture below).  First frame the outsides of the table, next add the top planks, middle box, table legs and last add the succulents.  I stained it after I added the succulents.  I would recommend staining first but I was not sure I wanted to and decided to stain last minute.  You can be inventive with the center box, I went with succulents surrounded by rocks (saw the idea online).  You can take them out and repurpose for an ice and drink holder for chilling your summer drinks or whatever you decide.  Make sure to leave holes in the built in box wood for watering drainage.

Our backyard patio is still a work in progress, next I am considering making cabana drapes and some fun pillows to add accent colors and comfort.  Surprisingly just by adding chairs and a table, we went from spending no time outside to spending lots of time.  We have coffee and work on the patio in the morning, and summer drinks and dinner on warm summer nights.  I am glad we decided to move forward and enjoy where we are today rather then just waiting, waiting, waiting till we move.  I'm sure the day I finish the whole project will probably be the day we get our place.  At least I can do it ALL over again! :) 

Healthy and Tasty Patsta

Ingredients:
12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 cup chicken broth
1 lb spicy Italian sausage
1 cup broccoli
2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
1/2 white onion
fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 tbs olive oil
(pepper, sea salt, garlic salt to taste)

To Make:
Boil water--cook pasta (meanwhile) warm skillet on medium heat with 1 tbs of olive oil. Chop onion and saute till onion becomes translucent. Add in Italian sausage turn up to med/med-high and saute another 10-15 min, drain fat. Add in chicken broth, spinach, broccoli, and pasta and continue to cook over med-high stirring until liquid reduces. Add seasoning and cheese to taste. Serve and Enjoy!