This fragrant and herb-y Basil and Garlic Cream makes an excellent sauce for pasta, cooked al dente, just drained and folded into it, for a lunch that literally tastes like Spring. It can also be the base of salads or gratins, depending on the season's changing weather!
Ingredients (makes about 1/3 cup):
a small garlic clove
a dozen large leaves Garden Basil
a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
Peel and halve garlic clove. Add to a mortar, and grind into a pulp with a pestle.
Tear Basil leaves into the mortar, and thoroughly grind them with the garlic into a paste. Season with salt and black pepper.
Gradually stir in olive oil, until mixture emulsifies. Then, stir in crème fraîche until well-blended.
Fold Basil and Garlic Cream into al dente pasta, or use as a base for a salad dressing or in gratins, loaves or quiches...