Forever Basil

I love fresh herbs.

In the Spring, we always plant a variety of herbs.

It's so exciting . . .

 . . .at first!

Then, I forget to water them.

I end up with "herb sticks."

You know what those are, don't you?

It's limp, dry, sunburned, unusable wanna be herbs that suffered at the hands of me.

It's sad.

Every year, I vow to do better.

I don't!

But I do try!  That's worth something, isn't it?

Remember, my trips to the grocery store are purely perfunctory.

I rarely buy "new and great, just discovered" things because I don't take time to look around.

I'm working on that -- there really are some great things to try.

But old habits are hard to break and all I want to do is get out of there and get the junk put up at home.

However!  One day at the store, while trying to be interactive with my surroundings, I did find something new!

And boy!  Is it a treat!

It's basil in a tube!

It's great! 

Need 1 TBSP of fresh basil?  Just squeeze it out!

It lasts about 3 months in the fridge!

I also bought the cilantro one too!  It's great!

Today, I made a marinade using this stuff.  Maybe you can find it at your favorite to meander grocery shop!

Lemon Basil Vinaigrette Marinade

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
2 TBSP lemon juice
2 TBSP basil

Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until incorporated.

Pour over your chicken and marinade for as long as you want.

Either grill the chicken or roast in the oven.

*I used bone in, skin on chicken breasts.  3 very large pieces and this was "just" (as in, could have used more) marinade.  I totally made up this recipes -- so adjust to your taste or add something or leave something out.  Either way - I was happy with the final marinade.

I served with pesto pasta and a salad.