Lemon Basil Oil Recipes

LEMON BASIL OIL

Steps:

• Combine ingredients in a glass measuring cup.
• Set the cup on a pie plate in the middle of the oven.
• Heat oven to 300 degrees and leave oil for 1 hour and 40 minutes, checking temperature occasionally with a candy thermometer.
• When done (temperature should be 250 degrees F), remove to rack to cool.
• Line a small strainer with a coffee filter that is moistened with a small amount of oil.
• Strain the oil through the filter into a hot, clean glass container.
• Cover and store in refrigerator for up to one month.

BASIL OIL (AND OTHER HERB FLAVORED OILS)

Steps:

• In a blender, puree the herbs and oil until completely smooth. Put the mixture in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over moderate heat. Simmer for 45 seconds, then pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Don't press on the mixture, but you can tap the strainer against your hand to get the oil to drip through faster. Immediately strain the oil again through a flat-bottomed paper filter. If the filter clogs, you may need to change the filter partway through.
• It's okay to pick the filter up and squeeze it gently to get the oil out faster, but be careful not to break the filter. Sometimes a little dark liquid comes through the filter first. Don't worry; that's water. It will settle to the bottom because it is heavier than the oil. Let the filtered oil settle for a few hours, then pour it off the dark liquid. Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place.

LEMON BASIL GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Lightly pound chicken to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Pat chicken dry using paper towels and place in a large resealable plastic bag.
• Combine lemon peel, lemon juice, garlic, salt, oil and basil in a blender or food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds or until well blended.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag and turn to coat chicken thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to overnight.
• Preheat grill to medium-high heat or about 400 degrees F.
• Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
• Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
• Transfer to serving plate and garnish with additional basil, if desired.