Beautiful Basil ...

The only plant that never fails me from seed to flowering plant !
My uses for basil in 2011 :

• Gifts of harvested basil to many friends
• Chopped leaves thrown into a salad
• Many bags of frozen Pesto
• 5 bars of soap
• Leaves scattered on Pizza

Wikipedia reports that "A study of the essential oil showed antifungal and insect-repelling properties. A similar study reported in 2009 has confirmed that extracts from the plant are very toxic to mosquitos. However, the plant is not toxic to rats. Nevertheless, further scientific researches should be warranted, since there are no equivalent reports of its use against humans."

More basil uses...

Orzo with Parmesan and Basil : Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, add 1 cup dry orzo and stir, then add 1 14-oz. can chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, then simmer 15 mins. until liquid is absorbed. Then remove cover and stir in 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup coarse chopped basil. Serves 2-3.

Martha Stewart's Strawberry Basil Ice Tea :

• black-tea bags
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved (quartered if large)
• 1 cup water, plus more for steeping
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh basil, plus more for serving
• Ice, for serving
• 1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Place strawberries in a bowl. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add basil, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain over strawberries; discard basil. Toss to coat. Let stand until cool, about 25 minutes. Combine strawberries (with syrup) and tea in a pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, and garnish with basil.