BASIL OIL

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Yields: 1¼  Cups

Comment:
Many recipes call for basil and oil. Try this recipe to combine the two in advance. If you prefer a stronger basil flavor substitute canola oil for olive oil. 

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
2 cloves garlic, halved
1 cup olive oil

Method:
Fill medium bowl ¾ full with ice-water and set aside. In a medium sauce pan, bring water to a boil, add basil leaves and blanch 5 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, remove leaves and immediately plunge into ice water to halt cooking process.  Drain water from bowl, holding back leaves and pressing to eliminate as much water as possible. Remove leaves from bowl and on a flat surface press between layers of paper towels to dry. When dry, remove paper towels, chop coarsely and place in clean jar then add garlic.  In medium saucepan, heat oil over low heat 5 minutes or until warmed and fragrant, taking care not to burn or boil the oil. Remove from heat and pour oil into jar over basil leaves and garlic. Allow to cool then cover and refrigerator. Strain basil from oil within one week.