Basil oil was made. It is so good I can't even believe it. We had it last night as a dipping oil for some stale-ish sourdough bread and this chicken/butternut squash stew. I poured some of the basil oil right into my stew, too, it's that good. It would be a nice base for other herbs to make different kinds of dipping oils but I like it plain basil like this. We don't eat much bread but with these in the freezer, that might have to change.
Calendula oil was made. Just a little bit, enough for a batch of healing skin salve. I always leave just-picked calendula flowers outside in a basket for a day or so to give the little bugs time to leave -- and they usually do. This also dries out some of the moisture from the petals, good to do when making any fresh plant oil. Then I filled the little jar with the flowers and again with olive oil, and capped/labeled it. After 4-6 weeks, it'll be strained and ready for its next life as a salve or creme. In case you do this, fresh plant infusions should be kept in a dark, cool place on a plate in case they ooze.
This morning I sat at the sewing table and couldn't do anything but play with thread. I'm thinking I just need to take care of the garden now.
Basil Oil
Pick 5 cups of basil tops and leaves. You can wash and dry them (thoroughly) but I didn't. Put 2 1/2 cups olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the basil and simmer about 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Allow to cool and then pour everything into a blender or food processor -- whirl for about a minute. Refrigerate for 2 days. Bring to room temperature and strain into small containers for freezing. Can be used as a marinade, dressing, dipping oil, etc.
Also posted at Food Renegade.
oh yummm, Peggy: that sounds delicious! thanks for sharing your recipe
ReplyDeletexo
I bet the oil smells wonderful! Like you, I just want to be outside. We are having a beautiful Indian Summer and I know that these sunny, warm days are a gift. Have fun in the garden!
ReplyDeletelove your threadplay. nice broom.
ReplyDeleteIce cube trays work great for freezing the basil oil, other things like that. It really is good! I didn't manage to grow any calendula this so I cheated and bought some dried at the co-op. Next year!
ReplyDeleteI so want to make pesto--but have to get to the market Friday or Saturday. I never grow enough for this Winter treat--It's still RAINING here bless it's heart. But I am weary of it. Maybe I'll still get calendula if the sun ever shines again.
ReplyDeleteThat tiny broom calls to me, Peggy: Can you please tell me what you made it from? I can visualize so many uses for it (Energy sweeping!).
ReplyDeleteJudy, I'm thinking it would be good with other herbs, too, like parsley or tarragon...
ReplyDeleteJeannie, it does smell wonderful -- another one I want to dump over my head!
Thank you, Deanna, I like that word -- threadplay!
Deb, thanks for the tip, I keep thinking of using the ice cube tray but always forget!
Michelle, hope you get to make that basil!
Chris, I like knowing the photo inspired you -- I use the little broom in a similar way -- right now it represents gentle change. The Goddess Oya brings change, usually fast and furious -- and while I'm working with her, I feel like I need to reinforce that I prefer change of a gentler nature.
ReplyDeleteI didn't make it, only adorned it with threads -- it was a gift many years ago from my little daughter, probably from a craft store...
I like that little broom too :) And want to be the neighbor of all of you that love to cook yummy stuff!
ReplyDeleteDeb~ I read somewhere the idea of putting coffee in ice cube trays and using the cubes when you make iced coffee. I don't drink coffee, but the guy tried it and was pleased with the outcome...cubes melt and you get More flavor, not watered down coffee! Now we have a stained ice cube tray :)