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There’s something absolutely magical about how the tropical sweetness of coconut plays with the aromatic, slightly peppery notes in basil in this Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend. It’s unexpected yet makes perfect sense once you taste it – like they were always meant to be together but nobody thought to introduce them! It’s the flavor equivalent of finding out two of your friends from completely different parts of your life actually get along brilliantly.
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Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend
This tropical Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend creates intriguing contrast between sweet, nutty coconut and aromatic, peppery basil for an unexpected yet harmonious flavor combination.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4oz 1x
- Category: Sides & Sauces
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons dried coconut, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons dried basil, finely crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix and store in a 4oz jar
Notes
- Serving size: 1-2 teaspoons per dessert serving
Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend is a vacation in a jar! It’s absolutely transporting sprinkled over fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or papaya, where it enhances their natural sweetness while adding complexity. It’s also wonderful stirred into rice pudding or sprinkled over coconut ice cream for a dessert that feels special without requiring any actual baking skills (my favorite kind of dessert!).
For a simple yet impressive treat, try stirring Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend into whipped cream and serving with sliced strawberries – the combination of coconut, basil, and berries creates this incredible flavor harmony that will have everyone asking for your secret. It’s also fantastic added to sugar cookie or shortbread dough for a unique twist on classic recipes, or rimming glasses for tropical cocktails!
Coconut & Basil Sugar Blend will keep in an airtight container for several months, though the basil flavor is most vibrant in the first few weeks. Pro tip: For an incredible summer refresher, stir a spoonful into homemade lemonade with a splash of coconut milk – it’s like a vacation in a glass that costs pennies to make!
Has this tropical blend transported your desserts to new exotic heights? Or have you discovered an unexpected pairing that I need to know about immediately? Share your coconut-basil adventures in the comments – sometimes the most magical flavor combinations are the ones that surprise us the most!
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Garden Basil & Caramelized Onion Chicken Burgers
Caramelized onion chicken burgers turn weeknight grilling into something special.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup whole‑wheat or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions * (finely chopped, cooled)
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or light mayonnaise)
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, minced (optional but delicious)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 4 whole‑grain hamburger buns
Baby spinach, tomato slices, and extra caramelized onions for serving
Instructions
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Mix the patties
In a medium bowl combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, Greek yogurt, basil, sun‑dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to blend just until everything is evenly distributed—over‑mixing can make burgers tough. -
Form & indent
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into ¾‑inch‑thick patties. Press a shallow thumbprint in the center of each to keep them flat while they cook. -
Heat the pan or grill
Preheat a non‑stick skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. -
Cook
Place patties in the hot pan. Cook 5–6 minutes until the undersides are golden, flip, then cook another 5–6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the centers reach 165 °F. If they brown too quickly before they’re cooked through, lower the heat slightly and continue. -
Build your burger
Toast buns if desired. Layer spinach, a patty, tomato, and a spoonful of extra caramelized onions. The sweet onions, bright basil, and juicy chicken make a fresh, feel‑good bite!
Notes
- To caramelize 1 medium onion: slice thinly, cook over medium‑low heat in 1 teaspoon olive oil with a pinch of salt for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden.
