Food preservation not only allows for a longer lifespan, it’s also sometimes more cost effective than buying fresh. For example, dried herbs are more convenient and work just fine, if not better ...

In a food processor, pulse the garlic until chopped. Add the basil and pulse until finely chopped. Add the oil, vinegar, and crushed red pepper and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Basil is widely available in supermarkets; look for bright green leaves with no hint of wilting or black spotting. Dried basil retains little of the aroma and flavour of fresh basil, so is of ...