Super Simple Strawberry Basil Dessert

My friend Diana has been on a strawberry basil kick these days, and it's totally been rubbing off on me. Doesn't it sound like a dreamy combination? Well, let me tell you, IT IS. So, the other night, I dabbled with my very first strawberry basil creation: a super simple dessert of fresh, sliced strawberries tossed in a basil simple syrup. Yum!!

Since this was intended to be a dessert, I didn't feel bad added extra sugar to my strawberries. Besides, my strawberries weren't super sweet on their own, so they kinda had it comin', if you know what I mean. This simple syrup is not overly sweet either -- it's just sweet enough to make the strawberries incredibly satisfying to eat, and the brightness from the basil creates an amazingly fresh sensation -- you just gotta try it. So, here's how it all went down... 
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• a small bunch of basil
• strawberries, sliced

Bring the water to a boil. Tear the basil leaves and stems into the hot water and turn the heat off. Muddle the leaves with a wooden spoon, and let steep for about 10-15 minutes. You're essentially making a "basil tea."

Turn heat back on to high, and add sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Let boil for about 3-5 minutes.

Strain liquid into a container, and refrigerate until cool.

Slice strawberries...

...and toss with a few tablespoons of your basil simple syrup (or enough to coat your strawberries). Serve cold and enjoy!

Cheers!!