So much joy for $2.99

Earlier this week, I had a craving for pho. It's been a while since I made it, because it's been a while since I had basil and mint growing on the fire escape. But this craving was pretty severe, so I bought a huge and unseasonal bunch of basil for $2.99, as well as some mint and some sprouts. The pho turned out pretty well (I based it on the recipe here, and no photo, sorry).

I love basil. It smells like summer. I made some pesto, and discovered what may be the perfect pesto delivery method: mashed potatoes. Yum! (My pesto recipe is eyeballed quantities of basil, olive oil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast and a teaspoon or so of miso.)
One day for lunch I had leftover lentils and rice, and I decided to top it with the leftover pho accompaniments (so sprouts, mint, basil and lime juice). I was surprised how well the basil and mint complimented the lentils (which had Indian spices: cumin, turmeric and anardana (pomegranate) powder).
Finally, a pizza with pesto and fresh basil.
Great. Now not only am I eager for spring to finally get here for real, now I want summer (and its armloads of basil) too.