Susan,

Funny you should mention that - I was in the grocery store today and I believe it was in either some ice cream or gelato. Boy, was it good - like a sherbert to cleanse the pallet between courses. I had never heard of that before. Of course, I bought some. Don't have a recipie though.

Bushetta!!

2 cups med. diced vine ripe tomatoes
1 large teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1 large teaspoon finely chopped red onion
6 large fresh basil leaves cut into thin ribbons
1/4 teaspoon dried ground oregano
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in order listed.
Allow to sit at room temp for 30 mins or refrigerate overnight....
Spoon mixture over sliced toasted French bread.
Garnish with with Parmesan cheese....

Try adding capers and sliced black olives to mixture...(I never have) my family and friends always want me to make this in the summer.....
Stacy

Pesto - use basil, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. It's simple and easy - I use it in chicken soup (just a tablespoon), on Brie, and over pasta. It freezes quite well.
I've included a link to a recipe but I usually wing it.
A food processor is helpful but I just use one of those electric mini choppers - works just as well. I also don't add salt or pepper.
Pesto - its a food fit for the Gods....

Here is a link that might be useful: Pesto

If you are fortunate to have garden tomatoes (I'm not I have to buy them at the Farmer's Market) you can make "Tomato Salad" - AKA Caprese Salad. I add thinly sliced red onion and some chopped garlic - the flavors are wonderful!

Here is a link that might be useful: Tomato Salad with Basil

I have lots of basil growing and I went to Trader Joe's today to get the pine nuts and good olive oil so I can make some pesto.

bostonpat....that is funny you mention Caprese Salad I have never had it but my sissy went to some resturant in Houston awhile back never had it ordered it her new fav...thing...so I found a recipe and want to make it for her this week...(she is not a big cook)....she will be sooo excited she had never had fresh moz. cheese before was blown away....Stacy

Stacy - it is so easy to make and I could eat it every day - the secret is fresh basil and a good garden tomato!

Hard crust toasted bread slices coated with olive oil, topped with Fresh monz cheese and basil leave. YUMMY!!

I like zucchini and summer squash (and sometimes onion and/or tomato) sliced and stir-fried in olive oil and fresh basil.