LEMON BALM PHOTO RECIPES

Steps:

• Scrub the lemons well. Peel the rind thinly, avoiding the white pithe, and set aside the lemons.
• Place the lemon rind, lemon balm leaves, and the sugar into a small heat-proof pitcher. Pour the boiling water into the pitcher and stir well, crushing the lemon balm leaves to release their flavor. Leave mixture to infuse for about 15 minutes.
• Now, cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice. Strain juice into a large glass pitcher, add a few fresh sprigs of lemon balm, and add the cooled, strained syrup. Top up with water or half-water half-ice, and chill until needed.

Steps:

• Combine the lemon balm, olive oil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Process until combined but still slightly chunky. Reserve.
• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the spaghetti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
• Combine the tomatoes, onions, and dried mushrooms in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of a spoon. Cook until the tomato liquid has partially evaporated, about 15 minutes. Stir in the arrowroot, salt, and the prepared lemon balm pesto. Simmer to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce, about 5 minutes.
• Serve the lemon balm pesto sauce over the hot cooked spaghetti.