Gardens and farmers' markets are overflowing with gorgeous produce! There are so many ways to use these fruits, vegetables, and herbs that it's almost paralyzing; too many options makes it nearly impossible to choose.

So, I'm here to help. If you're looking for a way to put fragrant, luscious basil to use, here are five suggestions to enhance your summer meals.

Do you have any other dishes to suggest? Let us all know!

Basil Parmesan Triangles

Sauteed Summer Peppers

Herbed Potato Salad

Thai-Style Peanut Cole Slaw

Angel Hair Pasta with Purple Basil

Mary Bilyeu - a self-proclaimed Food Floozie (named for her blog, which is taking a summer vacation) - writes for AnnArbor.com on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, telling about her adventures in the kitchen. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions, comments, or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.