Too Much Basil

If you’re a devoted herb gardener, you no doubt have a bushel of basil ready to harvest. Unfortunately, the classic basil, tomato and mozzarella salad barely makes a dent in the typical basil crop, and pesto sauce can get tiring day after day.

Instead, you can turn basil--or any herb--into a flavored butter. Make a small batch for one meal or do enough to use in several recipes. Herb butters can be stored a few days in the refrigerator or up to six months in the freezer.

If you freeze it, don’t worry about defrosting. Just slice off an amount equal to 1 tablespoon and place it on a piece of hot grilled fish or chicken. It makes an instant sauce.

BASIL-BUTTER BEEF SANDWICHES

2 cloves garlic

1 (6-ounce) portion flank steak

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 (3-inch) lengths French bread, sliced open lengthwise

Serve these basil-butter beef sandwiches for lunch or dinner with corn seasoned with cumin, green onion and chili powder.

Cut 1 clove garlic in half and rub flank steak with both halves. Cook steak on grill about 4 inches from coals until browned outside, still rare inside. Remove from grill and thinly slice against grain.

Mince remaining clove garlic and combine with butter, basil, salt and lemon juice in bowl and mash with fork to blend. Chill 15 minutes or until firm.

Meanwhile, place French bread, sliced sides down, on grill and toast 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from grill. Spread butter over bread. Top each with half of beef. Close sandwiches and serve.

Makes 2 servings.

Nutritional data not available.

CUMIN-FLAVORED CORN

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

2 teaspoons butter

Green part of 1 green onion, minced

1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 to 4 large ears)

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Salt, pepper

Toast cumin seeds in skillet over medium heat 30 seconds. Add butter and green onion and saute 1 minute. Add corn and saute over low heat 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chili powder and salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Makes 2 servings.

Nutritional data not available.