Glorious Basil

Do you love basil ? That is not a question one would ask me. I litteraly drool as i pick fresh leaves in my garden. A friend even used to call me crazy basil lady. I have a tiny veggie patch, but i managed to save enough space to grow 2 rows of basil. Hubby says i got carried away. " you don't need so much, he says ". At my previous house where i lived for so many years, my garden was huge and the basil rows were even bigger. At one point, i grew 4 different varieties. Lemon basil, purple basil,the genoa kind and my all time favorite, leaf lettuce basil. The large, crinkled leaves, which grow on the short, wide plant, have a very strong licorice smell. I just love this herb in pasta or tomatoe and bocconcini salad. ( yummy ) Many years ago, when my daughter Geneviève was still living with us ( these were the happy times ) she found this recipe on the web and since then, it has been one of our favorite summer dish. We improved it and this is how it turned out.

In a large bowl add:

- A 796ml can of tomatoes ( or fresh tomatoes from the garden. Around 6 cups diced )
- 1/2 cup cold pressed olive oil ( I know, it looks like too much, but beleive me, it will be very tasty )
- 2 or more chopped garlic cloves
- At least 2 cups of cubed old cheddar cheese ( you can add mozarella if you prefer )
- 2 cups or more if you wish of fresh chopped basil ( the more the better )
salt and pepper to taste.

Cook spaghetti, enough for 4 to 5 portion, strain and add to your uncooked sauce in the bowl. Toss to mix and devour ! This is suppose to make plenty for a family of 4 or 5, but since this is sinfully delicious, two can easily eat the whole bowl !
Summer is nearing to its end and so is my veggie patch. I cannot complain, summer was wonderful and i had a plentiful crop. My basil is still growing strong, but i know it is just a matter of a week or 2 before the first fall frost will kill my crop.
I will miss you, glorious Basil ♥