I prefer to give experiences than things, which everybody in my circle knows. This became hilarious last year when I sent all my girlfriends (happy mail) a packet of basil seeds and an article I found on making homemade basil noodles (I know, great gift idea- here’s one of those conversations). I was reminded of this when a girlfriend asked me what we were making this year.

Letter: I miss you. Let’s grow basil noodles this summer. Enclosed are basil seeds (and the recipe is on the back of this note card- yes, I think of everything).

Email: I did get my fun gift in the mail, and I’ve been meaning to let you know I got it! I am excited to try it out on a day when I have time to really focus my full attention on it. I’ve never made noodles before and these sound so delicious! Thank you for the seeds too! You’re so thoughtful!

Postcard: Glad you received it. I try really hard to give thoughtful gifts from the heart and not the wallet. The recipe does sound yummy, but like I told the other two women whom I sent the same gift- you have to plant the seeds to get to the noodles 😉 Hope you find some time soon to do so. It’s always exciting to see Mother Nature and God at work. I will let you know if I make it to the noodle making stage.

Email: I’ll need to get a window planter, dirt, etc. I’ll let you know when that happens. 🙂 I saw a pot in the store yesterday that seemed like it’d be perfect. It’s a small pot with purple spirals. Not really sure how big the pot should be. I should have taken a picture of it for you. I will send a picture as soon as I get it.

Postcard: You don’t have to get all fancy with planters, you could really grow it in an old washed and dried yogurt container, and I know many nurseries will give you sample soil (which should be enough to plant the basil)…keep me posted 🙂

Email: Aww thanks, and water right? I’ll look into it.

Letter :Yes! Water speaking of water, I created and amazing basil drink last night. You need to try it cheers to summers!

Ingredients :

• 3-4 leaves of basil
• 3-4 leaves of mint
• 1 oz of Welches White grape juice
• 1 1⁄2 oz. white rum
• 1 oz. fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon)
• 1⁄2 oz. lemon basil simple syrup

FOR BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄4 cup loosely packed lemon basil

Methodology:

Make the syrup: Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan with basil until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, and then set to the side to cool. Strain out the basil and refrigerate. Yields one cup; reserve any unused portion in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Make the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker , muddle the basil and mint  . Fill with crushed ice. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, shake together rum, lemon juice, white grape juice and simple syrup. Strain into martini glass. Cheers!