summer’s bounty….

Oh how I love summertime! The sun, the heat, the lack of a set schedule, and the fresh food….Oh the food!!! There’s just so much to be said about how much easier it is to eat healthy when summer’s bounty is so colorful and light. One of my favorite parts of summer eating is all of the fresh herbs. Basil, mint, oregano, dill….the list goes on and on….This year, we have had an abundant crop of herbs at the coast, and I am taking full advantage of it! I thought I would share a few of the recipes that I am currently making to use up all of this green goodness.

Fresh Basil Sauce

4 cups basil leaves, lightly packed

4 cloves garlic

1/4 cup lemon juice

extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper

In a blender, combine basil and garlic. Blend until well chopped. Stream in olive oil until it reaches a sauce-like consistency. Add lemon juice and blend to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This is a great sauce for fish or chicken or to toss with some pasta and fresh tomatoes!

Mint Simple Syrup

2 bunches of mint, stems and leaves

4 cups water

1 cup sugar

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Cover and turn off heat. Let steep for 2 hours. Strain and store in the refrigerator.

This syrup is delicious in cocktails and makes an excellent dressing for fruit salad!

Dill Yogurt Sauce

1 cup of dill leaves, finely chopped

2 cups plain greek yogurt, regular or low fat

2 cloves of garlic, minced

juice of one lemon

hot sauce

salt and pepper

Combine dill, yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Add hot sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

I love to use this sauce as a topping for fish or a dip for roasted shrimp!