Basil Strawberry Bagel Food

BASIL-STRAWBERRY BAGEL

Steps:

• Spread bagel with cream cheese spread.
• Top with basil.

HOMEMADE BAGELS

Steps:

• The night before making the bagels (or at least an hour before) combine the ingredients for the starter together in a medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit out at room temperature for up to 8 hours.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook add the yeast and warm water and let sit for a few minutes until bubbly. Add the starter, bread flour, sugar, and then salt into the bowl. Mix on medium slow and then increase to medium speed until the dough begins to form into a ball, about 4 minutes. Increase to medium-high speed, and continue kneading with the dough hook for 10 more minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 425F and bring a shallow pot of water mixed with the baking soda and salt to a simmer. You don't want the water boiling. "Punch" down the dough by pressing in the middle and folding the sides into the center. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. If weighing out, they should be about 3.4-3.5oz each. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough pieces relax for 10 minutes.
• Take each piece and pull down on the sides toward the center of the bottom creating a seam on the bottom. Place the piece on the bench and cup your hand around the side of the dough, forming a C with your hand and resting your pinky on the bench, and move your hand in a circular motion forming a smooth ball. Press your thumb through each ball to form a bagel shape. Stretch out the center, keeping in mind it will begin moving together as it proofs and bakes. Place the bagels on a sheet to proof for 10 more minutes.
• Gently slide the bagels into the poaching liquid, several at a time. Poach for about 1 min on each side. Remove the bagels from the water with a slotted spoon and allow the excess water to drip off and place on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal or with flour to prevent sticking. (If using parchment paper you will still need cornmeal or flour on top of the parchment).
• Whisk the egg white together with a teaspoon of water and brush the tops of the bagels. If desired, add toppings to the bagels. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool on cooling racks.
• Serve with Whipped Goat Cheese and Strawberry Basil Relish, if desired.

FRESH STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC BASIL DAIQUIRI

Steps:

• Place the ice cubes, strawberries, light rum, balsamic vinegar and basil leaves in the pitcher of a blender and blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a small basil sprig.
• Cook's Note: If your strawberries aren't very sweet, add up to 1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar.

STRAWBERRY-BASIL AGUA FRESCA

Steps:

• Add the strawberries, sugar, basil leaves and lemon juice to a blender; puree on high speed for 1 minute. Add 2 cups cold water and puree for an additional minute. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and stir in another 2 cups cold water.
• Serve over ice.

STRAWBERRY BASIL MARGARITA

Steps:

• Combine the strawberries, tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, lemon juice, sugar, and basil leaves in a blender; mix on low until smooth. Add the ice and puree until the ice is crushed, 30 to 60 seconds.

STRAWBERRY BASIL BOURBON SMASH

Steps:

• Muddle strawberries, lemon juice, basil, and simple syrup together in a cocktail glass until smashed together and fragrant. Add bourbon and ice; stir to combine. Top with sparkling water.

STRAWBERRY-BASIL COCKTAIL

Steps:

• In a shaker, muddle strawberries and basil. Fill shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add the remaining ingredients; cover and shake 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

STRAWBERRY BASIL BUTTER

Steps:

• Stir butter with icing sugar.
• Stir in strawberries and basil.
• Spoon onto edge of a large piece of plastic wrap, forming into a ball.
• Roll into a 6-inch (15-cm) log.
• Seal and refrigerate until firm, up to 3 days.
• Slice into rounds and melt over waffles, pancakes, warm muffins, raisin toast, english muffins or bagels.
• prep time does not include chilling.

FRESH STRAWBERRIES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND BASIL

Steps:

• In large mixing bowl, stir together sugar, vinegar, honey, and pepper. Add basil and strawberries; toss to coat. Cover and chill at least 10 minutes and up to 1 1/2 hours. Serve chilled.

STRAWBERRY BASIL ICED TEA

Steps:

• Brew tea for 5 to 8 minutes in 4 of boiling water (off heat).
• Remove the tea bags.
• Separately boil1 cup of water and add sugar and 1 cup of basil leaves, brew covered (off heat) for 10 minutes.
• Remove the basil and add chopped strawberries and let it chill in the fridge.
• Add the basil strawberry syrup to the cool or cold brewed tea.
• Serve in glasses with ice and enjoy!.

STRAWBERRY-BASIL REFRESHER

Steps:

• Place lemon juice, sugar, strawberries and 1 cup ice cubes in a blender; cover and process until blended. Add basil; pulse 1 or 2 times to combine., Divide strawberry mixture among 12 cocktail glasses. Fill with ice; top with club soda.