Basil and Summer

Summer and garden fresh greens are synonymous for me. One of my all time favorites from the garden is fresh fragrant basil. I love basil anyway-so the simple opportunity to walk out my back door to pick fresh basil from our vegetable plot is a wonderful summer blessing for me.

My family has to wait for the basil to be ready to pick before I prepare one of their favorite summer dishes-Avocado Basil Pasta-a frequently requested meal in my home this time of year. I would love to share it with you.

Avocado Basil Pasta

8 ounces dried bow tie pasta
2 medium avocados, halved, seeded, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 slices bacon, crisp cooked, drained, and crumbled
2/3 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely shredded asiago cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the avocados, bacon, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, pepper and salt. Add the hot pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 4 servings.

In our household we have to double this, it doubles just fine. This makes a great chilled pasta salad too if you wait to add the avocados right before serving.

Thanks for letting me share one of our family favorites.
Jamie