The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

How many of you have already started your garden or have plans to make a garden? The weather has been just so perfect! If only it could stay like this. Now is the time to plant some vegetables. Please do not forget to plant some herbs. Fresh Basil is always good.

Many of us are not familiar with most herbs.

Try making a pesto with basil, spinach, and pine nuts. Don’t forget to use a generous amount of olive oil.

You can even make your own specialty bottled herb oils. They are great for pouring over salads, and meats when you are cooking. Yes, don’t forget the herbs. Even if you have limited space.

Now days you can buy hanging containers that are ready to go, just add water. Flower boxes are great to grow your favorite herbs or vegetables in. So get going, plant your fresh tomatoes or favorite herbs today.

I plan to have a class cooking with fresh herbs, and for the harvesting time I have some great tomato recipes too. For instance, fresh tomato pies and fried green tomato. Yummmm!!!

Remember homegrown is always better. Happy eating!

Basil Pesto

8 cups of packed Basil Leaves

1 cup of Olive Oil

1/2 cup of toasted pine nuts

2-4 garlic cloves

1/2 tsp of salt

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese.

Optional-Add Shrimp and cherry tomatoes.

Katherine Aras

Look Who’s Cooking Now

(409) 670-3144