One of the things I enjoy most about blogging and social media is that you get to meet and make friends with a bunch of like-minded cooks and food writers from all around the world. Barbara Kiebel, who lives in Denver, Colorado and blogs at Creative Culinary, is a 'friend in food' across the miles and it gives me great pleasure to welcome her to Good Things. Barbara started her online life 18 years ago when she began professionally developing websites. The first website she made for herself was in 1995 and was a place to feature her best recipes for family and friends. In the last few years she segued to a food blog, Creative Culinary, with the motto 'Eat, Drink, Repeat'. She prepares new recipes, photographs them and talks a bit about the store to table experience. Barbara's specialty cocktails are making news on her ‘Happy Hour Friday’ column, where she occasionally pairs them with appetizers. Barbara is a mom to her grown daughters, Emily and Lauren, and precious dog named Abbie. She loves to create, cook, garden, decorate and read websites that inspire her each day. Barbara says she enjoys good wine and great cocktails, and when the weather is warm, nothing makes her happier than entertaining friends in her garden and feeding them barbecue and smoked favorites, along with a current favorite libation.
In this Good Things guest post, Barbara tells us about growing basil in water (!) and shares a delightful pasta recipe... Barbara says: 'I love how working in the world of blogging can offer so many rewards never imagined when all you thought you wanted to do was keep a diary of recipes online. First and foremost is the acquaintances I've made all over the world. I now have friends beyond the reaches of North America who live in England, France, Switzerland, India and Australia. I've always been the kind that thinks of bringing food to friends when they are not feeling well; now I can do that in a different way from across the pond. Thanks for asking Lizzy... I am really so very happy I could help even in this small way! [Lizzy says: Not at all, Barbara, thank YOU!]. This dish is not a restaurant recipe or a long held family tradition. Nope; it came about much differently. I'm staying with a friend who finds a lot of recipes she wants to make but many end up in a pile of 'wants' that never happen. Karen had originally planned to make this herself to take to her parents for a get together but those plans went awry with some family conflicts so I offered to make the dish for her. That was a win win; she had a chance to regroup and I was introduced to something new that I really, really loved! Originally made when we still had basil growing right off the patio and I could grab fistfuls for a simple dish, doing the same now might be more difficult. Except for this wondrous discovery I made! Basil that grows in water. Yes, really!! I bought some last year and though nowhere near as prolific as the plants that thrive outdoors, that little plant served me well throughout last winter so when I saw them at Sprouts recently, I bought one for Karen knowing how much her family loves basil. Settled into a vase with just enough water, it is flourishing in a sunny window in the kitchen making this dish something that can be enjoyed all year without having to dig into a retirement fund to afford those pricey packets in the herb section of the grocery store. I used a cute pasta I found at Safeway that I don't recall the name of but without them I would have called on my favorite standby, Farfalle. Did you know that the name Farfalle is derived from the Italian word farfalla for butterfly? I will now forever call them butterfly pasta; a descriptive term I think much more appropriate than bowties! This is a great picnic dish as the pasta is served at room temp and it's the perfect blend of ingredients I just love; lemon, ricotta and basil. We heading into winter here and it's something that will help to brighten a gloomy day but also a fantastic, easy dish for a picnic Downunder. Which is where I wish I was right about now. G' Day Mate!' LEMON RICOTTA BASIL PASTA 8 oz/225g uncooked pasta 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 tsp grated lemon rind 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper Lemon wedges for garnish (optional) Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid. Combine ricotta and next five ingredients (through pepper) and reserved cooking liquid in a large bowl. Add the pasta and toss to combine. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired and serve immediately. Serves 6-8. Lizzy says: I love this recipe, Barbara, it's fresh and delicious.... and perfect timing, as basil is just starting to flourish in the early warmth of our Australian springtime. Thanks ever so much for your kindness and generosity in sharing a post, especially given that you are in between homes right now. This has given me the opportunity to take a break this weekend. You're the best! Note: all images in this post appear kind courtesy of Barbara Kiebel and are copyright Barbara Kiebel and Creative Culinary. Dearest readers, please join me in welcoming Barbara and Creative Culinary to Good Things, and make sure you pop in and sign up to Barbara's regular newsletters and recipe updates. Now tell me, do you grow basil and did you know that it grows in water?!
25/10/2013 11:05:13 am
Thanks for letting me share this with your readers Lizzie...it's a simple but delicious salad. I'm jealous of your summer coming. Can I come stay for oh...4 months? :)
Lizzy
25/10/2013 11:35:35 am
Barbara, it is MY pleasure! And, yes, you are welcome to do so! Any time. Thanks again xo 25/10/2013 03:17:41 pm
I love basil, such a versatile herb, I can't believe that it grows in water though! WOW!
Lizzy
25/10/2013 05:58:59 pm
Thanks GG, good news on the basil, : ) 25/10/2013 04:24:13 pm
Basil and lemon are always a winning combination in my books. Delicious :)
Lizzy
25/10/2013 05:59:14 pm
I'm with you, Shirley : )
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:36:12 pm
Hiya, Liz! Isn't Barbara the best for helping me out! I love the interweb for all the new friends on food that I've met. Thanks for stopping by. 26/10/2013 12:48:41 am
What a wonderful post from Barbara, Liz. I love this pasta salad. It will be perfect to serve during the holidays!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:36:34 pm
It's yummy, isn't it Maureen... perfect for our upcoming Summer! 26/10/2013 03:52:10 am
I must try growing Basil in water. Every time I try to grow it in pots, it doesn't thrive! Thanks for sharing this nice recipe.
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:36:59 pm
Hi Fran.... I thought it was interesting. Thanks for stopping by.
Sandy Fuller
26/10/2013 04:03:40 am
Hello Lizzy! I have been following Barbs post and her amazing recipes and photos! Just wanted to wish you a blessed day today and a prayer for a speedy recovery! As I saw Barb post, you are headed for your summer months. . . how exciting, especially for a wonderful cook and blogger like you! Hurry and get better as I will be I will be joining your blogs and reading of all your food adventures!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:53:06 pm
Dear Sandy, how lovely to meet you and how very kind of you for your kind words and prayer. Summer should hopefully bring some better health for me, having had pneumomia over winter. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will visit again xo 26/10/2013 04:41:56 am
Lovely dish! I love pasta, basil, and lemon (not necessarily in that order!), so this dish is a winner for me. I had no idea one could grow basil in water! Now I do, so I have no excuse not to. Barbara's blog is great, and I'm delighted to see her guest posting here. Such good stuff! ;-) Thanks so much.
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:38:35 pm
Hi John, Barbara has really given us some great information on growing basil in water... and the recipe is indeed great! Thanks for popping in. 26/10/2013 04:47:14 am
Wonderful pasta dish, these are some of my favorite flavors!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:38:56 pm
Mine too, Laura. Just smacks of Summer xo 26/10/2013 10:29:08 am
Being able to grow Basil in water during the winter would be fantastic, great discovery. Thank you. GG
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:39:12 pm
Thanks GG, a great tip from Barbara.
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:39:32 pm
Yes indeed, Deena, thanks for visiting. 26/10/2013 11:36:19 am
Lovely Guest post Liz and Barb!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:40:08 pm
Like minded souls, aren't we Valerie. You are right, who'da thunk it! Thanks for stopping by to say hello.
Eha
26/10/2013 12:57:50 pm
What an appetizing pasta recipe: thank you Barbara! A simple 'take' I have never thought of . . . and although [rather late] my basil plants should go into outsdoor pots next week, I shall very definitely try and pamper some on my kitchen windowsill! How terrific if I can make it work!!! And Liz: hope you are at least 'reasonable :) !
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:40:41 pm
Thanks Eha, it is a great hint from Barbara, and SUCH a lovely recipe. I am up and down, my friend. How about you? 26/10/2013 02:30:17 pm
G'day and what a lovely post today Lizzy, true!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:40:55 pm
Thanks Joanne, very sweet of you. 26/10/2013 10:51:14 pm
Love this Lizzy! Such fresh flavours. Absolutely gorgeous x
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:41:13 pm
Me too, Lisa! Perfect for summer! x 27/10/2013 04:16:59 am
So fresh and comforting!! Lovely guest post, Barb :)
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:41:44 pm
Dear Kiran, hi and welcome. Good to meet you also. I've been following your work for ages. : )
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:42:20 pm
Hi Zsuzsa, meet Barbara. Barbara, please meet Zsuzsa. You two will get along well, both such wonderful cooks! 28/10/2013 01:49:24 am
Hi Lizzy, this recipe sounds delicious, thanks for having Barb over!!!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:42:41 pm
Dear Jessica, thank you for stopping by. Good to meet you : )
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:42:53 pm
Doesn't it ever, Krista! 28/10/2013 09:05:03 pm
I love it when booze adds flavour but not a strong hit of alcohol! :D I'm going to try growing basil in water now!
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:43:07 pm
Me too, Lorraine! 29/10/2013 01:05:13 am
Hmm some of my favourite flavours, great dish & guest post Lizzy.
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:43:25 pm
Catherine, thank you... Barbara is a gem! Make sure you pop in and see her blog! 29/10/2013 01:32:00 pm
Wow! That's a lot of cooking to do in one weekend. I wish I had a background in web design so I'd know how to do more with my blog. I love the look of this pasta - so simple and requires only a few ingredients and great for a mid-week meal. I'll have to try growing basil in water! xx
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:43:52 pm
Thanks so much... I bet you would love this dish! Thanks for visiting xo What a lovely interview with Barbara, Lizzy. She and I have been friends in the ether for some time now and she is about as warm and generous as they come. Mind you, with those amazing cocktail recipes she publishes, she can also lead you down the path to drink pretty quickly too. Although, she didn't have to try too hard with me.;-)
Lizzy
29/10/2013 09:44:29 pm
Ha, I know, Amanda.... I've already told her I'm coming to visit... and I've picked out a few cakes and cocktails! Care to come along?! The fresh basil looks amazing as does Barb's pasta dish. I think it's wonderful that you two met through the internet and I know that you are quite blessed to be able to count Barb as one of your friends, as I'm sure she is to count you among hers. Hoping you feel better very soon. Distance is really no barrier to good friends.
Lizzy
30/10/2013 01:53:31 pm
Thanks so much, Paula... isn't it the best finding new friends in food via the inter web. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind well wishes. 1/11/2013 05:20:03 pm
Thanks Barbara - I think I've just found the perfect dish to take to a gathering of friends - for a first BBQ of the summer season here in Australia!
Lizzy
1/11/2013 06:52:06 pm
Marian, this is perfect! : ) Ha just think how many recipes we make by surprise.... or unexpectedly. This one is fabulous since I sooooo love ricotta and lemon! And the basil is beautiful! I have to try growing it in water now. But I do know I will try this pasta dish - fast, easy and super good! I am always amazed by the food Barb creates every week! Good for her!
Lizzy
2/11/2013 08:32:25 am
Thanks Jamie, so true.... and I love ricotta and lemon too : )
Lizzy
14/11/2013 06:29:19 am
Rosa, so true, thank you : ) Comments are closed.
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Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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