Ode To Basil

My basil plants 

Basil: the little green leaf that packs a big, flavorful punch. It is my cooking companion. It’s a staple of the Italian kitchen, or maybe any kitchen for that matter. It’s a spice that I just can’t live without, that is for sure. It’s a necessary item for nearly any recipe I am going to make. It goes so seamlessly into nearly any dish, which is what makes it super spice in my book.

What you may not know is that basil is a part of the mint family. It is evident in the taste of the spice when you eat it fresh off the plant, but perhaps harder to detect when the spice is dried. From salad Caprese to soups, sauces, and pasta, basil is a necessary ingredient.... which is why I planted 7--count ‘em seven-- basil plants in my garden this year. What can I say? I am a fan of basil, nay, a basil groupie!


There are things that you just cannot have enough of in life and they are as follows:

Love

Garlic

Olive Oil

BASIL! 

So, to honor one of my favorite spices, I have written this poem. It’s an ode to basil, Bossy Italian Wife style! Enjoy!

Ode to Basil:

Soup, sauce and pasta too

only my super duper spice will do. 

I want some basil--fresh is you please-- 

I’ll put it on heavy with parmesan cheese. 

Basil, I love you, you green leafy spice

You make my life so amazingly nice. 

With tomatoes, or veggies, or any old thing, 

You make my taste buds dance and sing. 

I’ll grow you in dirt, or I’ll sprinkle you on dry, 

Oh how I wish you were a giant green guy! 

You would taste so yummy and be so versatile, 

I know you would be an Italian with style! 

You make my food better than any other spice

I can put you anything from pasta to rice. 

You pair so well with so many great foods, 

Not to use my dear basil would be just rude!