Here’s a flavour combination I tried once and have never forgotten. A delicious summery combination of bright lemon with an intriguing hint of basil. Measure 2 cups of full fat milk, removing 2 tablespoons of the milk to make a slurry with 4 – 5 teaspoons of cornflour (cornstarch). Heat the remainder in a saucepan…… Continue reading lemon and basil ice cream
Tag: basil
zucchini, parmesan and basil soup
Do you keep those rinds from parmesan? Here’s a truly delicious way to use them and to eat your greens. The first step for this soup is to make a stock from the parmesan rinds. A pressure cooker helps to shorten this process. Cut 4 -6 pieces of rind into small pieces and cook them…… Continue reading zucchini, parmesan and basil soup
butternut and basil lasagna
The arrival of autumn here and the garden still bursting with basil made this the perfect combination. Cut butternut pumpkin (squash) into pieces and toss them in a bowl with some olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fry over low heat until they have some colour and are just soft then set them aside. In the same…… Continue reading butternut and basil lasagna
scallops in coconut sauce with fresh basil
Here’s a really quick and easy meal which is still luxurious and impressive. From a can of coconut milk take the thick coconut cream and melt it in a wide saucepan over moderate heat. Add 1 tablespoon of Thai roasted chilli paste in soya oil (you will find this at any Asian store which sells Thai food…… Continue reading scallops in coconut sauce with fresh basil
bruschetta
This pesto and tomato bruschetta and caramelised onion and blue cheese bruschetta are equally good for lunch or a light evening meal. Make sure you have crusty Italian bread. For each bruschetta peel and finely slice 2 brown onions and dice 2 cloves of garlic. Cook them over low heat with a generous amount of…… Continue reading bruschetta
ricotta gnocchi with home-made basil pesto
These gnocchi are quick and easy to make and are a satisfying meal. Place 2 cups of fresh ricotta cheese in a bowl and add 1 large egg and ¾ of a cup of plain flour. Mix thoroughly with a fork then, with wet hands, roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them on a…… Continue reading ricotta gnocchi with home-made basil pesto
basil walnut and pecorino bread
This bread makes a perfect centrepiece for a casual lunch. To make it, first mix 2½ teaspoons of dry active yeast and ½ a teaspoon of sugar into 3 tablespoons of warm water (this can be fairly warm to touch but not hot). Leave this to prove for at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, into a large…… Continue reading basil walnut and pecorino bread
michelle picker cooks 