Hey guys and gals, I'm back =) and today, I want to share even more inspo for starting your own basil garden. If that sounds intimidating, don't shy away just yet. Basil works well grown in small pots.

Basil not only smells wonderful but there are so many different things you can do with it.

Some unexpected ways to use Basil

Pair basil with sweets, not just savory flavors.

Use it in dessert recipes such as strawberry basil shortcakes, basil ice-cream, lemon basil yogurt cake, mint basil syrup, or basil lime sorbet. Chocolate also pairs nicely with basil.

Add chopped fresh basil to a fruit salad.

Mix up your cocktails with basil.

Here are a few fun cocktail ideas using basil:

• Frozen strawberry and basil margaritas
• Cucumber basil martinis
• Basil mojitos

For some non-alcoholic beverages, try using your fresh basil in these drink recipes:

• Basil mojito iced tea
• Basil lemonade
• Lime basil watermelon coolers

Make basil salt.

It's very easy to make and you could put it on practically anything you want to salt. Sprinkle basil salt on tomatoes, meats, seafood, baked veggies, or even french fries to to liven them up.

The Quickie Recipe for Basil Salt:

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• Step 1: In your food processor, combine 1/2 cup of fresh basil and 1/2 cup of salt.
• Step 2: Smooth it out on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes on 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Step 3: Stir the basil salt mixture around on the sheet, then bake it for 10 more minutes.
• Step 4: Give it another go in the food processor until it becomes a fine consistency.

Recover from bug bites with homemade basil oil.

When you feel the unpleasant itch from a mosquito bite or a painful sting from a wasp or bee, instead of using an over-the-counter product, try using basil instead. Your can easily make basil oil and have it on hand to help ease the stinging and itching and help prevent infection. Basil oil is a natural remedy for this because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Video Source: ONECURIOUSCHEF

Use basil for fresh breath and oral health.

Most people have probably heard of using mint or parsley as a breath freshener but basil can also freshen breath just as well. If you suffer from mouth ulcers or bleeding gums, basil can help here, too. Simply rub fresh basil leaves directly on the area.

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If you love basil like I do, be sure to check out my Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe.

Also, check out part 1 and part 2 of my Basil Garden Inspiration Series!

Happy Gardening, Steemians! Hope you're inspired to plant some basil =)

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