A wonderful culinary herb that can be used in many ways. It's bright green shiny leaves have a fantastic aroma that can draw you to it. Basil is an annual, so it will have to be replanted each year, but it is fairly easy to grow. I usually grow from seed in my herb gardens outside and it does wonderful. I am going to look into growing in a pot as I miss it over the colder winter months, and so many people have great luck with that.
Basil has many names Saint Joseph's Wort, King of Herbs, the Royal Herb and my personal favourite, the old folk name, “The Witches Herb” Muwahahahahahaha! It's best known for using with tomato recipes, but it is part of a four herb mix that I use together that tastes fantastic. The four being basil, oregano, thyme and sage. Basil has many magical properties that include exorcism, happiness, money, and is said to be used as an aid for use in “flying potions and is said to be a great aid for giving strength after a debilitating illness.
Ruling Planet: MarsSign: ScorpioElement: FireGender: Masculine
A dish I make quite often that is very easy and delicious is -
Herbed Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Plan on one chicken breast per person. Boneless and skinless.1 pkg of cream cheese, plain, let come to room temperature.1 – 2 tsp. Of each: basil, oregano, thyme and sage chopped. All mine herbs are dried and ready.1 – 2 bacon strips per chicken breastSalt, pepper and garlic salt to taste.
Let cream cheese come to room temperature so it's easier to blend. Add in your herbs and blend very well. Cut each breast horizontally from top to bottom but do not cut through to the back, as if you were butterflying it. I use about 2 heaping tablespoons of cream cheese per breast. Cook bacon about half way through and drain, then wrap 1 to 2 pieces of bacon around each breast to finish cooking in oven.
Salt, pepper and garlic salt on top to your taste. Cook in a 350-degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes. If the breasts are very thick may take a bit longer. The cream cheese will soften and make a wonderful sauce that you can then spoon over the top of the chicken as it oozes out with each bite. Enjoy!
Written by Stormloverwolf ♥
Sources:
“AKitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants and Herbs” - Rachel Patterson
“The Wicca Garden” - Gerina Dunwich
“Earth Mother Herbal” - Sjatpoua De La Tour