Basil, basil, basil !

Genovese basil

I always grow basil in backyard container pots every summer because I just LOVE basil! And I particularly love Genovese basil. They do very well in containers and thrive in the summer heat as long as they get some water several times a week.

One of my favorite summer salads is Insalata Genovese which is so easy to prepare:

Slice some tomatoes, slice up fresh soft mozzarella cheese (my favorite is the boconcini style), pluck some basil leaves. Alternate on a serving plate the tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella. Then drizzle over them cold-pressed virgin olive oil and add freshly ground black pepper.

And check out my recipe for green beans, mushrooms with pesto