'Under The Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes was the February Book for the BookClub.I had heard neither of that book nor the author.I had almost given up the search when leading bookshops said they had stopped publishing the book in 2004!.A regular routine visit to the library and while leaving I simply enquired whether they had heard of that book and voila! there it was .
On reading it I was transported to the magical world of Tuscany in Italy -a perfect land as per the author.She sings praises and praises about the land and the book is like a dairy by the author who purchases a villa 'Bramasole' there.Some parts of the book to be honest are a bit dragging but on the whole I would say its Perfect. I loved the book and have bookmarked several recipes from the summer kitchen notes as well as the winter ones and I hope to make atleast some of them. One prominent recipe is the Basil and the Mint Sorbet which I had bookmarked.
But I found that my basil leaves were.. well, gone and ready for the disposal. And I was left with just 1 tbsp basil and I sort of adapted the recipe accordingly.
Ingredients:
Basil Leaves: 1 tbsp
Mint Leaves: 1 tbsp
Sugar: 3 tbsp +
Water: 4 tbsp + 1 tbsp + 1-2 tsp
Lemon Juice: just a squeeze
Preparation:
Puree the basil and mint with 1-2 tsp of water.
Make a simple syrup by bringing to boil 4 tbsp of water and 3-4 tbsp of sugar. Stir till the sugar is dissolved and then take off heat.Add the herbs pureed and 1 additional tbsp of water.Let it attain room temp.Add a squeeze of lemon and then strain to a steel/anyother container and freeze for atleast 6-8 hours.
Take out and let it thaw for a few minutes and then blend it in a mixer to make it creamy like this..
Freeze for another 45 minutes atleast or till serving time.Serve in scoops.
The sorbet was surely 'tantalizingly refresh' if you quote the book.This is going to be another regular in my house.Very appetising indeed.
While I was trying to take pics the sorbet started melting.So finally I had a herbal juice.Lets see what other members cooked up from Tuscany?
One last thought,while reading the book I was thinking,how much do we appreciate the land or the place we live in.I for myself have more complaints about Bangalore but do I appreciate it ? At present ,I am a bit irritated living in Bangalore and no,its not just the power or net problems or 'returning from USA' syndrome, but so many small small and BIG BIG things. May be its just my expectations,Bangalore I had heard of was cooler and a much better and civilised and developed place.Not the one with traffic and road woes,full of flats etc.Only time can tell,whether I will sing praises of Bangalore like its the heaven on earth or something like that.Well,what about you? Do let me know,whether you appreciate the place/land you live in.
Meanwhile enjoy the sorbet.
14 Comments:
Looks nice..
With summer approaching fast, this will be a life saver. Good one Curry leaf! :-)
This was my favorite dish in the summer kitchen too. And like you, I've bookmarked lots of recipes to try.
That was a refreshing recipe! I think I casually skipped that one because of the ice cream maker requirement? I agree that the bookd ragged at bits, but I do have to appreciate her way with words.
Well, it loosk like we will never appreciate our land/places if we have to keep reading about amazing places like Tuscany and Provence!
This sorbet sounds pretty good. I think it would a wonderful cool drink for the summer, too.
Yes, Banglaore of today is a far cry from yesteryears, but then no place really has everything we want.
I've lived in so many places now, that I've learnt to make do with what is. :)
Best policy for survival, I've found. LOL
I haven't read the book, but I did enjoy the movie. Nice to find inspiration from different sources.
Slurpppp!!!!!wat a refreshing sorbet!!
I can see that cooking is something very dear to you. I am glad that through this post I could make a trip with you from a great book to this wonderful recipe. Congratulations
That is a really delicous looking sorbet.
Nice cooler for summer,love the intense sweet basil flavor.
I realize its not possible to have the best of everything no matter were you live.Like here,the long winters are gloomy and staying away from family isn't much fun either.
This is screaming summer! How lovely!
Hi, First time here. Herbal juice looks refreshing and healthy. Drop @ http://sashirecipes.com sometime when u find time.
I am person who try to be happy whereever i move! Bangal is not bad for a US return- compare to many cities in India!
The sorbet should be great for summer pleasure!
I appreciate ur insight about bangalore. I came last year stayed two days in my apart. My son liked more because of KFC, MC Donal etc..But he doesn't want to move-just vacation spot! But I agree when it comes to live , adminst work , traffic jam, etc... is nasty! Oh forgot the power cut and mosquitoes, LOL :)
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