Basil, I Presume?

Basil! I like the herb...its look, taste and smell - especially the smell of the dried seeds, which is very peppery! I think *Basil* is a fabulous name too. So today I'm celebrating the herb and a recipe, Lemon Basil Pasta. Any basil fans? Any herbal-garden decorators?  Photos: Herbal Patio; Basil Rathbone (the original Sherlock Holmes actor - hence the title); Herb Gift Basket (online); Framed Herbs Idea - Better Homes and Gardens; Herb Garden Markers; Lemon Basil Pasta and my recipe. Let me know if you try it!

 

LEMON BASIL PASTA  (4 very large servings)

16 oz angel hair pasta spaghetti
3 tsp. dried basil leaves, or you can used 3-5 fresh leaves (or the equivalent to the dried)
2 + Tablespoons of  fresh lemon juice (though I've used bottled in a pinch)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (not the Kraft grated, but the REAL kind, shredded. I get it at Sam's)
4 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 + tsp garlic salt (more or less to taste)
1/2+ tsp black pepper (fresh grated, if possible)

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain.
Mix in butter, juice, basil, garlic and pepper in a small bowl.
Toss over pasta.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the pasta and mix in. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Can also add 2 cups of grilled chicken, diced.

It's good the next day too!