Melon Basil Sorbet - Weekend Recipe

Summer is not finished with us yet meaning there is still time for a frozen treat.  With cantaloupe still available, fresh and basil just hitting its stride, this is a great time to craft this sorbet.

Musk Melon Basil Sorbet

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup water
10 basil leaves, divided
2 small muskmelon (cantaloupe), peeled, seeded and diced

In a small saucepan, stir sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat, add 5 basil leaves, and allow to steep until cool.  Strain or remove the basil leaves.

Puree the melon or cantaloupe in a blender or using an immersion blender until smooth.  Stir in 1/2 cup of the basil-infused sugar water (simple syrup) and reserve the remainder for another use (check out my herbal cocktail recipes for ideas.)

Finely chop the remaining 5 basil leaves and stir into the melon mixture.  Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Then pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturers directions.

Pack the sorbet into an airtight container  (optimally 24 hours.)  Makes 4 cups.

Labor Day Menu - Weekend Recipe

Yes I will admit I stole this idea from Alton Brown.  He posted a menu for Labor Day on Facebook and I decided I could do something similar, directing you to a few of my recipes.

APPETIZER


Salsa and Chips. A tried and true item made unique with a few extra herbs. Here is a recipe I share that can be made with my salsa mix or with a plain jar bought variety.

Wild & Crazy Salsa

1 jar sliced green olives

2 to 3 tomatoes, diced

1 peeled avocado

1 small white onion, diced

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 package Backyard Patch Salsa Mix or Hot Salsa Mix

Combine all ingredients.  Serve with baked chips or use as a topping on fish or chicken.

MAIN
Grilled Pork Chop Sandwich.  Trade in the traditional burger for another sandwich option. Back in 2012 I shared a recipe for lemon tarragon grilled pork chops that makes such a perfect pork chop sandwich.  Served with coleslaw on the side or on the sandwich and you have a great dish for your labor day feast.

SIDE

Caraway Coleslaw: I have several slaw recipes to recommend, including the Ranch Dressing Coleslaw, but I think the best one is the one I shared for a picnic at Ravinia the Caraway Coleslaw.  A very traditional flavor you will love it.

DESSERT


Melon Sweet Salad.  A blend of fresh mint and various white and orange melon served with our without ice cream.

Sweet Melon Salad

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, more or less to taste
2 tablespoons honey
4 cups cubed, seeded cantaloupe 
2 1/2 cups honeydew or a white melon like canary melon or Korean Star
1/3 cup chopped or chiffonade mint leaves, more or less to taste

Stir together the lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding either more lemon juice or honey. In a medium-size bowl, toss the melons gently with the mint and stir in the dressing. Serve either chilled or at room temperature.  this makes a wonderful topping for ice cream.

ALL-DAY DRINKING


Sweet Tea Apple Sipper I shared a similar herb cocktail recipe on Facebook this past week, but this turned out to be my favorite while experimenting with herb cocktails. It is a mixture of Irish Breakfast tea, thyme, apple juice and rye whiskey.  It is our evening cocktail of choice these past few weeks. Oh and be careful this drink will sneak up on you.

Sweet Tea Apple Sipper

Irish Breakfast tea
Thyme
Apple juice
Whiskey
Apple, sliced thin

Directions:
For a different spin on an iced tea cocktail, brew a fresh batch of rejuvenating Irish Breakfast tea with added sprigs of thyme, then chill and add equal parts clear apple juice. Pour into balloon glasses and spike each with a shot of your favorite whiskey for an indulgent summer hit! Before you serve, garnish with apple wheels and sprigs of thyme.