Strawberry Basil Dip - Weekend Recipe

The other day I had lunch with and spoke to the Antiquarian Study Group of Naperville.  We had great summer sandwiches and veggies with dip and a wonderful fruit salad with great cream cheese dip.  That got me to thinking about fruit dips and I located this perfect recipe to share.  It takes only 10 minutes and a blender to create this, and you will adore it.

Strawberry Basil Dip

This recipe is perfectly timed for using your current local fresh ingredients!  Basil, which is naturally sweet, combines with strawberry and honey to make a perfect dip that is good on lots of things, not just fruit.

6 ounces fresh strawberries hulled (1 1/4 cups)

4 ounces cream cheese, softened (1/4 cup)

3 Tbls honey (herbal honey, like lavender will add a nice touch)

1 Tbls packed fresh basil leaves, purple or green or even lemon all work well

In the blender container or food processor, combine strawberries, cream cheese and honey.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Stop occasionally to scrape the sides as needed.  Add basil and pulse until just chopped.  Serve immediately.  You can make ahead and chill for up to 8 hours, then serve a room temp.  Makes 1 ½ cups.