Feast of the Seven Fishes

Tips from Victoria

Basil

Basil derives its name from the Greek word basilikos, which means royal, because it was regarded as such a special herb that only the king was allowed to cut it. This delicate aromatic herb is widely used in Italian and Thai cooking. Basil has a sweet, slightly pungent perfume, which you will notice just by brushing the leaves. The flavor is elusive but distinct, adding its own particular stamp to a wide range of dishes. Basil has a great affinity with tomatoes and other Mediterranean vegetables such as eggplant and fennel and is the herb you are most likely to associate with Italian and Provençal cooking. Read More