Sarasotas Garlic Basil Oil Food

SUNNY'S EASY BASIL AND GARLIC OIL

Steps:

• To steep the oil: In a small pot on the lowest heat setting, add the oil, basil and garlic. Cook on low for 20 minutes.
• Strain the oil using a fine-mesh sieve and cool to room temperature. Add the fresh basil leaves to finish. Store in the fridge and keep for 1 week.

BURRATA CAPRESE SALAD WITH GARLIC BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Cut the tomatoes into 1/3-inch-thick slices, then depending on the size, cut the slices into halves or quarters. Arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Drizzle most of the Garlic-Basil Oil over the tomatoes. Tear the burrata balls into large pieces and scatter over the tomatoes. Top the burrata with some of the remaining Garlic-Basil Oil. Serve immediately.
• Add the basil, olive oil, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a high-powered blender. Turn the blender on low and gradually increase the speed. Blend until smooth.

BASIL OIL

Steps:

• In a large saucepan of simmering water, blanch the basil leaves for 2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out as much water as possible. In a blender, combine the basil with 1/2 cup of the olive oil and blend for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as necessary, until very smooth. Add the remaining oil, blend just to mix and pour into a large jar. Cover tightly and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Strain the oil through a double-thickness of slightly dampened cheesecloth into a clean glass jar. Cover tightly and use as directed in th recipe or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

SARASOTA'S SIMPLE YOGURT, BASIL, LEMON DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Yogurt -- The best way to do this if you have time, is to put the yogurt in a piece of cheesecloth in a strainer or colander and then in a small bowl over night (wrapped with saran wrap. This allows the sour cream to drain, so the dip isn't wet or runny.
• Personally, I had no time, but I did buy the greek yogurt which is a bit thicker, mixed everything together and enjoyed. Also, I have used this with just everyday yogurt and did not take the time to let it set over night and it was fine.

SIMPLE GARLIC BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth and uniformly green.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping or over pasta.

TARTINE WITH SPRING VEGETABLES, SMOKED SALMON, RICOTTA, AND BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Make the basil oil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add basil leaves and cook for 15 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold running water; squeeze out excess water. Coarsely chop basil and transfer to the jar of a blender or bowl of a food processor; add olive oil and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Make the ricotta spread: Place ricotta in a medium bowl and beat with a fork to make smooth; season with salt and pepper. Stir in radishes, dill, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon basil oil; set aside.
• Make the tartines: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously salt water and add fava beans and cook for 1 minute. Drain and cool under cold running water. Peel fava beans and set aside. Add peas and asparagus to boiling water; cook for 1 minute and drain. Cool under cold running water, pat dry, and set aside.
• Spread each slice of toast with ricotta spread. Top with watercress and salmon. Top salmon with asparagus, peas, and fava beans. Drizzle with basil oil and season with a pinch of fleur de sel. Serve.

SARASOTA'S FRESH TOMATO AND OLIVE RELISH

Steps:

• Relish -- Just mix everything together in a small bowl. Let set at room temp for 5-10 minutes and serve. It is that easy.