This week’s secret ingredient in the Gluten Free Menu Swap is basil. Basil is a prominent herb in a variety of cuisines around the world, notably Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese.
A Few Notes About Basil
Varieties
There are more than 60 varieties- at least 12 can be cultivated for culinary use
Sweet Basil- by far the most popular; dubbed “the tomato herb”
Genoa Basil- similar to sweet; some cooks think it is the best variety for pesto
Lemon Basil- a favorite for desserts or beverages
Thai Basil- stronger taste, slight licorice flavorSelection
Some cooks keep a basil plant indoors for fresh basil year round. If you are choosing fresh basil at the supermarket, make sure to choose basil that is vibrant looking with no dark spots or signs of decay.
Storage
Keep fresh basil leaves between damp paper towels in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to four days. Fresh basil can also be frozen. Blanch whole leaves for a couple of seconds, plunge into ice cold water, pat dry and place in airtight bags in the freezer. P.S. I have read that the flavor of the basil will be stronger if you don’t thaw the basil before you use it. If you are storing dry basil, make sure to replace it every six months.
My Gluten Free Menu
Monday: Pork Tenderloin, Fried Apples, and Salad
Tuesday: Pantry Beef Casserole
Wednesday: Fajitas
Thursday: Coconut Rice with Shrimp, Snow Peas, and Basil
Friday: Elise’s Chicken Stew with Onions, Tomatoes, and Dijon
Baking projects: I need to come up with a good spice cake recipe! Anyone have any good gluten free spice cake recipes? Hubby’s birthday is coming up and that is his favorite.
OUR GLUTEN FREE MENUS
Email me or leave a comment if you have a menu for this week’s Gluten Free Menu Swap!
Karen’s Gluten Free Menu at Gluten Free Sox
She is making Veal Picatta, yum!
Mary Frances’ Gluten Free Menu at Gluten Free Cooking School
She is making Veggie Quesadillas and a homemade basil pesto this week.
Seamaiden’s Gluten Free Menu at Book of Yum
She is making a Veggie Pad Thai with fresh basil.
Mrs. G.F.’s Gluten Free Menu from her Recipes for a Gluten Free Life
She is making a turned and roasted chicken with butternut squash this week.
Carrie’s Gluten Free Menu at Ginger Lemon Girl
She is making an Amish Pot Roast and a Marinara Bake.
Want to see some more menus (a few of us are gluten-free)? Go visit Organizing Junkie’s Menu Plan Monday!
Reminder: Next week’s host is Mrs. G.F. -please email her next week with your post links (reminder: you will link your menu back to the host of the week). If you so desire, the [optional] gluten-free secret ingredient for next week is apple.
Email me at natalie(at)glutenfreemommy(dot)com if you would like a turn to host!
And for my Monday Mommy Brag:
What a little thinker?
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Posted by Natalie
Filed under: gluten free menu
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