Getting to know Basil

Spring is such a great time to start a beautiful herb garden. Our winter has worn us all out and we are anxious to get planting. The ground is not ready, though and won't be for awhile so indoor gardens are popular right now.

I love to have herbs in pots in the kitchen and today I brought home some basil.

It has a beautiful fragrance and I pick it up for a close sniff when I walk by. I think Lily enjoys it, too.
Basil belongs to the mint family. If you look close, the pointed leaves of the plant looks a lot like peppermint. It is highly fragrant and used as a seasoning herb. I use it in stir-fry, always in my spaghetti sauce  and it is delicious in rice.
Basil is recommended for digestive issues. So, after dinner instead of having a mint why not sip on an after-dinner cup of basil tea. It is full of vitamins and helps to boost the immune system. See http://www.basiltea.net/

Basil Tea
3 tbsp. of fresh chopped basil leaves to 2 cups of boiled water. Strain before serving or if you prefer, you can chew on the leaves.  And, of course I add a bit of honey. 
      Basil Tea in my Old Amsterdam Porcelain Works tea-cup

in my favorite tea-pot

This is a great tea before calling it a day.

No cookies today as I am just back from having dental work done. My nurse, Audrey has been wonderful. ;-)

Lily is 18 years old now, and when she is not with Ed in the basket or cuddled with him on the couch, she is seeking out a sun-puddle.

As you can see, we are once again enjoying bright sunlight in the late afternoon.

I'm joining Sandi at
http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.ca/ for Tea- time Tuesday & Share Your Cup Thursday at http://jannolson.blogspot.ca/
hugs, Deb