Basil-Infused Olive Oil - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups of packed basil leaves
2 cups of virgin olive oil (the flavors of extra-virgin olive oil will compete too much)

Preparation

****Combine basil and olive oil in a blender.

****Puree the mixture until smooth.

****In a saucepan, simmer the olive oil and basil puree over medium heat for 45 seconds.

****Pour the heated mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove the basil.

****Let the mixture sit for a few hours.

****Pour the oil into an airtight jar. (don't include the dark liquid at the bottom of the bowl, which is water mixed with finely ground basil)

****Use oil as a marinade, condiment, or substitute for herbs when cooking.