Basil Is Growing Up!

The Cupcake Kids mascot and our favorite herb, “Basil” the basil plant has quadrupled in size this summer so we had to come up with more basil recipes to keep up! Salads are a great way to use basil and still keep that bright green color. One of our favorite ways to eat basil in the summer is in a fruit salad. Adding basil to warm dishes releases the herb’s flavor and scent, but be careful because it blackens fast.—

Strawberry Basil Salad
1 Qt Strawberries
2 Tbsp Confectioners Sugar
5 Basil leaves
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

We like using strawberries but you can use any fruit. Cut the strawberries into quarters and toss with balsamic vinegar, sugar and a handful of torn basil and you have a refreshing summer salad!

Fun Fact: Basil is part of the mint family and goes great as a substitute in recipes that call for fresh mint leaves.

 –Jessi Walter, cupcakekids.com