Garlic Basil Oil

Crusty on the outside, moist on the inside,

incredible European style bread

dipped in a flavored oil is such a culinary delight.

These gourmet oils can be very pricey.

Why not try making your own.

What a great way to use the bounty of herbs

in your garden this time of year.

Of course herbs from the store are great too.

You can make your own labels too

and add a little dried herb with some twine

or raffia

to decorate your bottle.

Herb Infused Olive Oil

Take 2 C. good quality olive oil.  Add 1 C. fresh basil

rinsed and thoroughly dried

(or whatever herb you want to use), and 1-2 lightly

crushed cloves of garlic.  Place in a saucepan.

Heat the oil with the herb and garlic in it.

Bring it up to hot, but not smoking. 

Turn the heat off and let the herbs

infuse into the oil at least one hour.

Let the oil cool, then pour through a sieve.

Use a funnel to pour into a bottle.

I found these fun bottles at Target.

You also might want to try dried chilis,

lemon peel,

 rosemary,

or any combination that sounds good to you.

I am doing a lemon peel and rosemary next!

Just a quick note on olive oils.

Have a little blind taste test with your family to find

an olive oil that you like enough to dip breads in.

It should be something fruity and not bitter.

We did this and believe it or not, or favorite for

grocery store brands was Star at Wal Mart.

I made some of this with Costco's EVVO and it

was way too bitter.  We couldn't use it as a dipping oil.

Be sure and taste test first!

Find a fun stopper to close up the bottle.

This one if a Tuesday Morning find.

Serve as a great dipping sauce.

To make my label I went to my computer.

I started by going to Photobucket.com for free

photos.  I did a search for herbs and found this

wonderful garden.  I then added text and

printed it on label paper.

Tie on some dried herbs with a little twine or

raffia and you have a "Select Label" bottle

of flavored olive oil.

To dry herbs quickly, rinse and pat dry, then place

on a paper towel in the microwave.  If you are

doing just a few herbs, check every 30 seconds.

They will dry quickly.  Do not scorch them.

Wouldn't this be a great gift to receive?

I will be posting this with

Just Something I Whipped Up Monday

and

Tasty Tuesdays.

Thanks for visiting at Purple Chocolat Home.

I love all of your visits and especially appreciate

your comments!  It's been great to have you here today.