Basil Lemonade

Since the weather started warming up I've started making iced tea again.  Then yesterday I was contemplating the nearly empty pitcher and new bag of lemons and started thinking lemonade.  Then I came across this post on the Kitchn and had to try it (although I made some changes, mostly with the sweetener).

Recipe:
4 cups water
3 cups fresh basil
Peel from 2 lemons, cut into strips
1/3 - 1/2 cup stevia (the original recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar)

Bring the water to a boil, add the basil, lemon peel, and stevia.  Stir well, then remove from heat.  cover and leave to steep for about 1 hour.
Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing the liquid out of the leaves and peels.

4 - 6 cups cold water and ice
3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (this takes 3 - 4 lemons)

Place water and ice (if desired) in a pitcher, stir in lemon juice.  Add all of the basil lemon syrup and stir well.  Serve.

This is so nice and refreshing!  The basil isn't a strong flavor - it harmonizes with the lemon, adding a little herb-y sweetness and creating a perfect spring and summer flavor.

It's also good with a little sploosh of vodka.

Caprese Salad

I threw this salad together the other day, and it was delicious!  The light flavors are so refreshing, perfect for spring and summer.

Recipe:
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt

Slice tomatoes in half.  Add cubed mozzarella and chopped basil.  Drizzle olive oil over all, and stir to coat.  Add sea salt to taste, and stir again.
Garnish with some fresh basil and serve.

I picked up some Perlini Mozzarella at my local store.  They're tiny fresh mozzarellas, and so cute!

Marinara Sauce

Here's a quick and easy, single serving marinara sauce, that is also hCG Diet friendly.  For those not on the hCG protocol, it's still a great single serving marinara sauce, that could easily be modified to your tastes -- start by browning a little ground beef or sausage, toss in some extra veggies, or however you like your sauce.

Recipe:
1 tomato, diced
2-3 cloves garlic, diced
Water or chicken broth
Basil (I also used some Italian Herb Mix)
Sea salt, pepper

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add tomatoes and garlic.  Cook for 1-2 minutes and add about 1/4 cup water or chicken broth.  Add basil and other seasonings to taste.  Simmer 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add more liquid if necessary.  Serve.

Quick and easy!  And very tasty.  I had mine over sliced baked chicken breast for a diet friendly chicken marinara.

Just as a reminder, you can now follow Uncanned Foods on Facebook!

Now on Facebook

Uncanned Foods now has a home on Facebook!  Visit our page for pictures, random posts, and updates.