Party Chicken Salad Recipe from Sweet Basil

The juice from the peaches adds a sweet note to this summer favorite. Serve on a bed of baby lettuces tossed with blackberries or grapes, for a special touch.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds

1/2 cup Miracle Whip or Mayo (using Miracle whip will make it a bit tangy)

1/4 cup minced sweet onion 

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped rosemary  

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

4 cups chopped cooked chicken breast (If pressed for time, use 2 Rotisserie chickens)  

4 small fresh, firm, ripe peaches, peeled and diced 

Garnishes: fresh basil sprigs, fresh blackberries or grapes  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (about 15 minutes).

2. Stir together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Fold in pecans, chicken, and peaches; cover and chill 2 hours. Garnish, if desired.

Enjoy! 

We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to http://www.myrecipes.com for the fabulous recipe inspiration, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of testing this recipe. Photo credit: Jennifer Davick

Fresh In Season Summer Garden Vegetable Soup Recipe From Sweet Basil

The Sweet Basil gardens and gardens everywhere will soon be overflowing with fresh vegetables. Here is a handy recipe to use several ingredients; corn, green beans, sweet peas, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes and parsley that will soon be in season and plentiful. You should also be able to easily find fresh carrots and leeks.

SUMMER GARDEN VEGETABLE SOUP

Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped leeks, white part only (from approximately 3 medium leeks)
2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
Kosher salt
2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds (approximately 2 medium)
2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
2 cups fresh green beans, broken or cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1 cup shelled green sweet peas
2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
4 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes
2 ears corn, kernels removed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup packed, chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 to 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, and a pinch of salt and sweat until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, corn kernels, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add the parsley and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Serve immediately.

Enjoy! 

We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to Alton Brown for the fabulous recipe, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of testing this recipe.

Easy Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe from Sweet Basil

This sweet and spicy chicken recipe tastes like a gourmet recipe, but can be done in the same amount of time of preparing Hamburger Helper. You can use farm fresh products for most of the ingredient list. 

ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup honey

• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 4 pounds)

• Salt

• 1 pineapple peeled, cored and cut into 8 thick rings

directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until translucent and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the honey, hot pepper sauce and chili powder and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and set aside.
2. Preheat a grill or large grill pan to medium-high. Rub the chicken with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt. Grill until well marked, about 7 minutes. Flip and cook until the bottoms are well marked and the chicken is cooked through, another 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and brush with the reserved honey glaze. Cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, grill the pineapple until well marked on one side, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve with the chicken.

Enjoy! 

We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to Rachel Ray for the fabulous recipe, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of testing this recipe.

Fresh In Season Grilled Ratatouille Boats Recipe From Sweet Basil

I am excited to say that zucchini season is upon us...this is a favorite side dish for using fresh zucchini, tomatoes, parsley and garlic! This dish is not only quick and easy, but healthy, too!! You could also substitute eggplant for the boats, but make sure to increase the ingredients in the recipe by at least 1/4, depending on the size of your eggplant. This would compliment and complete a meal with  Spicy Honey-Glazed chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini, halved lengthwise

• 3 tablespoons EVOO

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

• 1 eggplant, cubed

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper

• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

directions 

1. Scoop balls of flesh from the center of the zucchini to create boats (see tip for help); reserve the flesh balls. Preheat a grill to medium-high.
2. Heat 1 tbsp. EVOO in a large skillet over medium heat; add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining 2 tbsp. EVOO, the eggplant and zucchini balls; cover and cook for 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley; season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill the zucchini shells with the ratatouille, sprinkle with the cheese and grill, covered, over medium-high until the cheese is melted and the shells are slightly softened.

Enjoy! 

We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to Rachel Ray for the fabulous recipe, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of testing this recipe.

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Easy Family Recipe from Sweet Basil Farm & Garden

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry dough, thawed
• 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cups shredded leftover or rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups roasted or steamed vegetables, (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, corn) coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 fresh sage leaves (shredded)
• 1 large egg white, beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Roll out puff pastry to 1/4-inch thick, and cut into 4 (6-inch) rounds to fit over 1-cup ovenproof bowls. Keep pastry covered and chilled. (If pressed for time, individual frozen pie crusts may be used, and topped with frozen biscuits or Bisquick mix.)

Heat butter and oil in a medium saucepan over moderate heat; add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Add the milk in a slow stream while whisking constantly; bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in next 6 ingredients (through pepper). Spoon mixture into ovenproof bowls. Top bowls with pastry, pressing against the outside edge of the bowls to seal. Place a sage leaf on top of pastry, and brush with egg white.

Bake pot pies on a baking sheet in middle of oven for 17 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Serve hot.

We are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens on Facebook. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, with great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Recipe inspiration and photo credit thanks to Health.com, and contribution from J. David Matthews, Barnesville, Georgia.

Fresh Asparagus Penne

Sweet Basil Farm's recipe of the week, using in season farm fresh ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

12 asparagus spears

12 cherry tomatoes

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided

1 tablespoon minced shallots

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. of fresh, shredded rosemary, thyme and basil

4 crumbled bay leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons honey

1/2 cup pitted olives, halved

2 cups baby arugula

1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat or bleu cheese

2 lbs. of cooked, shredded chicken (Optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions.

3. Place asparagus and tomatoes on a jelly-roll pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon black pepper and herbs. Toss gently to coat; arrange asparagus and tomato mixture in a single layer. Bake at 400° for 6 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Remove asparagus from pan. Place pan back in oven, and bake tomatoes an additional 4 minutes. Remove tomatoes from pan; let asparagus and tomatoes stand 10 minutes. Cut asparagus into 1-inch lengths; halve tomatoes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks for helpful information, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this recipe.

Pizza Casserole Deluxe

• 

Kid approved, easy family dinner! Use garden fresh bell peppers and garlic!

Ingredients

1 (1-lb.) package ground mild Italian sausage 
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (26-oz.) jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 medium-size red onion, chopped
1/2 medium-size red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 (8-oz.) package sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
1 (16-oz.) package rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups half-and-half
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, shredded (2 cups)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-oz.) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package of pepperoni slices, Canadian bacon, and/or 1/2-1 lb. browned and crumbled sausage or hamburger

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook sausage and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes or until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in skillet. Drain sausage mixture on paper towels, and transfer to a medium bowl. Stir marinara sauce and 1/2 tsp. salt into sausage mixture.

Sauté onion and next 3 ingredients in hot drippings 5 minutes or until tender; stir in olives and chopped pepperoni. Reserve 1/4 cup onion mixture.

Prepare pasta according to package directions in a large Dutch oven.

Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half-and-half; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 7 to 10 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in fresh mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Pour sauce over pasta in Dutch oven, stirring to coat. Stir in onion mixture.

Transfer pasta mixture to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish, and top with sausage mixture, packaged mozzarella cheese, reserved 1/4 cup onion mixture, and pepperoni slices.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this recipe, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to food .com for helpful information, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article.

Better-For-You Meatloaf Recipe from Sweet Basil

An adaptation from the classic meatloaf recipe, this version is full of veggies and healthy lean protein, oats and egg whites.

INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 medium white onion, chopped finely
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped finely
• 1 large carrot, grated or chopped finely
• 1 lb extra-lean ground sirloin or turkey breast
• 8 oz tomato/spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 egg whites
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• Splash of Worcestershire sauce
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray

DIRECTIONS
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Place mixture in a loaf tin that's been sprayed with cooking spray and bake in an oven heated to 350°F for about an hour.

If you enjoyed this article, want to know more about this or other related interesting topics, please like and share this article. Be sure to like us, so you don’t miss anything, we are Sweet Basil Farm & Gardens, on Facebook and other social media. We are a local producer of farm fresh fruits and vegetables and members of the American Poultry Association, licensed by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture as Poultry Dealers and Brokers, and a proud member of the Georgia Grown program, a division of the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture. We also breed, sell and ship poultry, pet pigs, bearded irises and much more. We have an 80 acre working farm, putting great emphasis on all natural gardening and livestock management practices. An 1840s general store is situated on our property, and serves as our on-site farmer’s market. Conveniently located off of Interstate 75 near the Johnstonville Rd exit (#193).  We are six miles west, located in Barnesville, Lamar County, Georgia.

Special thanks to Lara at ThinspiredBlog.com, womansday.com and Self magazine, as well as contributions from J. David Matthews, of Barnesville, Georgia in preparation of this article.