Saving Summer's Bounty

Kate · Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:51 am Post subject: Saving Summer's Bounty

Summer is coming to an end here in Southern Calif. My basil plants still have a lot of sucullent leaves, and I want to enjoy that wonderful, fresh flavor as long as possible. One way to do this is to make a seasoned butter to enjoy on pasta all winder long.
A food processor makes quick work of this.

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, I combine one pound softened butter, 1 cup tightly packed basil leaves, several grinds of fresh black pepper and 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup good olive oil. Pulse until basil is chopped. I like a rougher chop, so I add half the basil and process, then the other half and process in short bursts. Spray and ice cube tray with non stick cooking spray and fill each cup with the butter mixture. Slip the bag into a zip lock gallon baggie and pop it into the freezer. When the cubes are hard, twist the tray until they fall out into the bag.
To use these butter cubes, toss a couple into a pan, melt on low heat and then toss in your hot, cooked pasta. Toss well and you have a wonderful dinner. Sometimes I make a batch of the butter with roasted garlic in it. These cubes are also great tossed with steamed vegetables.
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paulamathers · Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:49 am Post subject:

definately a yummy tip! althhough summer here in england finished a while ago now, its freezing!

Kate · Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:10 pm Post subject:

Wow you poor thing! I'm sitting here with the windows all open and I have shorts and a tank top on!
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paulamathers · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:39 am Post subject:

Keri took her hat scarf and gloves to the childminder today and im alrerady wearing my wool winter coat! id love for it to be warm and sunny Sad

Kate · Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:28 pm Post subject:

I bet! In other parts of the USA it's chilly by October, the northern parts mostly. But here in Southern Calif we are enjoying warm days and beautiful evenings right now. I feel for you sweety!
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:42 am Post subject:

ok im jealous now! i only just noticed your tip about storing cornmeal in the freezer to help it keep longer, ill try that this time as im off to buy some more at lunch time. cant believe i got through a whole tub of cornmeal in a couple of weeks! Wink

Kate · Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 6:26 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry! The first winter I was in Southern Cal, I was talking to my sister on the phone.She asked what I was doing and I replied trying to stay cool. She flipped and said it's freezing there, she had on a swater and the heater and fireplace were going and she was still cold.It was February...hehe
Glad your enjoying the cornmeal. I posted another recipe, the Tamale Pie, that has a corn meal top.It's delish.
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paulamathers · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:44 am Post subject:

i saw that the other day and printed it out. am going to try it this weekend if i get the chance Smile

Kate · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 6:08 pm Post subject:

I have made that recipe and put it in the freezer, wrapped well but without the topping. I thawed it in the fridge and added the topping as usual. It was fantastic and no one could tell it was frozen. I hope you like it.
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 8:34 am Post subject:

im looking forward to making it. i made a big shepards pie last night for the next couple of days so i might try your tip about freezing it and them making the topping later. thanks. Hope your daughter has a great birthday and you have a lovely weekend together x