November 9, 2025
From Linda…
Earlier this week, we heard the news that the possibility of our first “freeze or frost” was in the forecast. For gardeners, that sends a signal to start preparing for the big event. Fortunately, my master gardener friend, Ann, sent a text on Friday morning asking if I had any extra basil to spare. My answer was a resounding, “YES”, and I was ready to share as much as she needed.
This year I was growing some of my favorite varieties; Balsamic Blooms, Cardinal, Cinnamon and Red Rubin. There was a plentiful amount of most, but especially the Cardinal. And so, the clipping began. As a bonus, Ann had offered to share a new recipe with me in exchange for the basil. We would both being making basil pesto, as requested in the recipe.
One of my favorite basil recipes is in the 2016 master gardener cookbook, “A Year on the Plate”. I decided to make 4 recipes of spinach basil to use when preparing Ann’s recipe and then freezing the remaining jars.
From Ann…
My good friend, Nancy, who survived junior high and high school with me gave me a recipe which allowed me to use up end of season basil. Chicken Pesto Meatballs uses ground chicken infused with 3/4 cup pesto. The flavor is complex and in a short time you have a beautiful dinner with it’s major ingredient coming from your very own garden or your friend’s garden!
Linda Alexander and Ann Lamb, Dallas County Master Gardeners
