When thinking about new ice cream flavors, I am often inspired by the foods and ingredients around me. This ice cream was inspired by the mound of basil I had growing in my garden. If you have ever grown basil, you know how fast it can take off. I started clipping it and storing it in water on the counter top, trying to think of something to do with it other than make pesto. Then it came to me! I remembered reading about herb-flavored ice creams in one of my favorite ice cream books, The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz. I found a recipe for Basil Ice Cream, jotted down a few ideas to make the recipe my own, and went for it. The results were excellent! The striking anise flavor of the basil, sweetened with sugar, and balanced by a bit of lemon made for a very light and refreshing scoop of ice cream. The original recipe suggested serving the ice cream over macerated strawberries with lemon...amazing combination. I have included this recipe as well. Enjoy!

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