Basil

I love hearing from viewers about First at 4.  Love it.  Well, after my conversation with Jym Ganahl regarding basil (yes, the lovely herb grown in many a garden) I got lots of questions about why I grow basil.  On Wednesday on First at 4, Jym was talking about a freeze warning for that evening and I mentioned that I needed to get my basil inside before it freezes.  Why do I care so much about a little basil?  Well…it’s my “dinner saver.“

As long as I have a little basil, and a few other pantry items I can whip up a last minute dinner in no time at all.  As busy parents, my husband and I often do the lovely “what’s for dinner” number every night.  Caroline is easy to cook for, but coming up with dinner last minute for us can be tough, which I’m sure you all understand.  After work, there are so many things to do and errands to run that dinner is the last thing on my mind.  So—the scoop is that basil is my easy, never fail link to a quick dinner.  I can easily whip up a pasta with pesto sauce, or toss it with pasta and tomatoes.  I swear I can grab almost anything in the frig or pantry—- chop up some fresh basil—and dinner is on the table in minutes.  So, believe me, I am NOT going to let it freeze and lose my basil plant!

FYI—Julia Catalfino (who is the queen of fabulous Italian cuisine) just ran by my desk to mention how fresh basil is great on tomato soup.  I tell ya, the options with basil are endless, my friends.  Get a basil plant and it will save dinner and save money.

So—tell me….what’s your “dinner saving grace?“  We all have them, and I’d love to know what you rely on in a pinch.

Also—Caroline was a monkey for Halloween last year thanks to our dear friends Kurt and Laura who gave her the costume.  We’re not sure what she’ll be this year.  What are all of you doing for costumes? 

Have a great weekend!

Ellie

Hi Ellie!

We love basil too!  We ate it all summer long on home grown tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.  It is so good!

I love the pictures of Caroline!

As far as costumes…this year we have Cinderalla (Natalie who is 3 1/2 years old-what else is there these days :)), a ballerina (Charlotte who is 18 months), and a zebra (Ryan who is 5 weeks).  This is Natalie’s first time trick or treating so she is pretty excited.  Have a great day!

Hi Ellie,

At my house, cheese is the lifesaver. A close second is chicken broth! I often make grilled cheese if we are having a crazy day. Chicken broth adds flavor to rice and of course makes a good soup.

For Halloween, since it’s also Natalya’s birthday, of course she must dress up!  She will be a little lamb this year. Last year she was a skeleton. On the day of her birth, we actually put her into a little pumpkin costume!

Take care,
Jessica

Hi Ellie,

So happy to see you back from vacation.  I hope you and hubby had a nice time.  It is always nice getting away for a little escape!!

I would have to say that my biggest “dinner saving grace” would be a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup.  I can mix up a pretty fast casserole with one of those soups to choose from.

I totally LOVE the pictures of Caroline.  That 2nd picture especially just makes your heart melt.  Gotta love that precious smile and those beautiful blue eyes!!  Cameron was a yellow ducky last year and he loves and adores Mickey Mouse so he will be Mickey Mouse this Halloween.  He is so excited and thrilled and can’t wait to put the costume on.

Hi Ellie,

Dinner saver at our house is breakfast.  If we are pressed for time I will whip up an omelette, cream of wheat or pancakes.  There are all sorts of healthy things we add in, usually with whatever fruits or veggies are hanging out in the fridge.

As for Halloween, Claire (3.5) has it all figured out this year and will be Barbie Mermaidia.  Sarah (22 mths) will be a pumpkin, a costume she picked out herself.  Caroline looks adorable!

The last family I was a nanny for was the queen of crockpot meals. They have four children, so she would throw it on in the morning and then it would be ready before they ran out that evening to activities etc.
The recipes would range from roast, porkchops, chicken, to different kind of meatloafs.
One of her favorite cookbooks is called Fix & Forget it Cookbook. Some of the recipes only call for three or four ingredients.