Holy basil is the common name of the ocimum tenuiflorum plant. A native of India, it is used in many Asian countries for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its highly aromatic and fragrant leaves have long been used for worship in Hindu societies, who believe in it’s healing powers.
For me, food does more than provide nourishment and sustenance. Like music and art, it can also be healing. In my life, I’ve seen how it can bring people together and be the glue that holds it all. And so, I’ve decided to call my blog HolyBasil because of my desire to share and cultivate the gifts that have been passed down to me from my family and friends.
When I look back at my upbringing in southern California, I think of the fresh, flavorful Vietnamese food that my mother prepared for our family. The dishes we ate, no matter how humble or fancy, were always made with great care and love. Later on, while studying and living abroad in Angers, France, I saw the value in truly savoring food. There, eating well was an extension of living well. It’s an impression that has stayed with me to this day and has shaped my perspective on life as well as how I cook and eat.
I’ve started this blog as a way to document some of my experiences on this unique journey. With my food, I aspire to preserve the integrity of my ethnic heritage and culture while at the same time, discover my own path. The result, I hope, will be Authentic Vietnamese and French Cuisine with a Modern Flair.
I now reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my adorable husband. We love good food and good company. Alors, à bientôt et Bon appétit!
September 7, 2007 at '3:52'
Hi Christine.
I know I just sent you an email, but I also just checked out Pierre’s website. His photos are amazing. I love all the nature and city scenes. I was wondering if I can order some from him. I would love to frame some and put them up in my office. You guys are a truly talented pair. Let me know.
Hey, are you going to place your world famous lemon tart recipe in your blog? Or is that going to be one of your secret recipes. I think you have inspired me to try cooking again.
September 7, 2007 at '15:55'
Hi Christine and all of her devoted fans,
Congrats on all your success!!! I knew that when you were experimenting with different ingredients in my mom’s kitchen that you would be a famous chef one day. When you are on the Food Network, I can tell everyone that you cooked for me and Zarena. Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray watch out…
September 7, 2007 at '17:39'
Oh Christine!!! Your new food blog is beautifully designed and written!! And your hubby’s website is absolutely gorgeous. His work is incredible!!! You both are an inspiration for actively and successfully living out your passions.
October 9, 2007 at '14:55'
Hello Christine,
This is really a very tasty blog! It is not easy to get all necessary products in Poland but we try hard . We have tried Omelette aux fines herbes but with no chives:-). It was a great breakfast.
Keep doing, all the best,
Pawel, Agnieszka and…..almost borned Adas
October 9, 2007 at '22:15'
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for your comments!
xo christine
November 7, 2007 at '23:50'
Can you just make all these food at my house? Thanks. It will save me the trouble of making it myself. 🙂
November 7, 2007 at '23:51'
I am also a famous taster and Will taste all food and give it a rating. So feel free to let me know when you are making these dishes again. Thanks.
November 8, 2007 at '22:53'
Dear Christine,
I followed your link on tastespotting and the page didn’t show correctly. I saw the URL and compared it with the original one for Jackfruit-stuffed pork and it seems that they aren’t the same. You should go back to tastespotting, edit your profile and change the URL. Otherwise we have a blank page when we click on it.
Passe une excellente soiree.
Rose.
December 2, 2007 at '15:01'
Hi Christine. Thanks for your comment at the Cookthink blog (and for being kind about our nontraditional use of somen in pho — that move would get many people frothing.) This is my first time at Holy Basil. Congratulations on a beautiful blog. I’ll look forward to following. Cheers!
December 6, 2007 at '20:21'
I am impressed by the content and the presentations of your blog!!!
December 9, 2007 at '2:15'
Hi Christine, this is Nick who attended your Pho Bo class and is writing an article for Current magazine about it. May I use your Pho recipe in the article? And may I ask how old you are (and use your age in the article)?
Again, I really enjoyed your class, and I’m feeling more confident about my own upcoming first trial. I also am very impressed by your blog!
Feel free to email me directly.
Thanks,
Nick Roumel
December 9, 2007 at '2:23'
Hey Christine,
How is everything going? I was thinking that it would be fun to cook for students as personal cook since you live near campus. I came across an ad for personal cook on craiglist today. Check it out http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/dmg/469027307.html
I also have a friend whose mom ordered her some meals from local personal chef to make sure that she’s eating healthy and enough during exam time. Just a thought….
February 21, 2008 at '9:26'
Enjoyed your blog, and reading the many and varied responses. Nice to know there are so many people today interested in healthy food, and making it at home. I also have a heavy French influence in my own cooking, having lived more than 20 years in French-speaking countries of Europe. For those looking to supplement their stocks, or having a hard time obtaining hard-to-find items such as Holy Basil, check out the health concerns and herbal sections of our new website: http://www.timesavershops.com (there’s also tons of other neat stuff!). Other items can be special-ordered by phone or e-mail.
Keep up the good work!
March 27, 2008 at '8:45'
9nJnsL great site man thanks http://peace.com
April 27, 2008 at '17:28'
Great post, and great site
July 30, 2008 at '13:30'
I agree with all the comments regarding the amazing photography on this site. Keep up the great work!!
A lot of my customers have been asking me if I know any one who teaches a class on cooking with Chinese herbs. Do you know such a class?
August 29, 2008 at '13:09'
Hey Christine.
Amazing website. Ole! La Chispa! Fantastic pictures, Pierre. I can’t believe my eyes.
I’m glad I found you here – I lost all my phone numbers so I can’t call you…please call or email me so I can get back in touch with you. Also, I got some info on the rhubarb 🙂
see you,
~Courtney
October 4, 2008 at '11:57'
Nice post. How is there with your husband then?
And you just made me hungry!
December 3, 2008 at '12:29'
I really like your site. The recipes and the pictures are so good. I link your site to my community website. Here it is directory. Your readers can also vote for it too by giving it a star here. Thank you for sharing so many beautiful recipes!
December 8, 2008 at '11:38'
salut christine!
i found your blog searching for other southeast michigan food blogs (i’m just outside detroit)… i’m so delighted to find such diversity in our local blogger community (et tant de francophones aussi!). i started a food blog a couple months ago, i’d love for you to check it out if you get a chance: http://www.mllenoelle.wordpress.com
cheers!
December 30, 2008 at '21:45'
Traveling gives you many experiences like different foods, cultures and other stuffs. I also love discovering new foods from various areas.
Thanks for sharing in your blog.
January 11, 2009 at '22:34'
http://www.kaboodle.com/selioneer
March 4, 2009 at '18:36'
hi there just wondering if you wouldn’t mind shooting me an email for a quick question! thanks!
May 19, 2009 at '13:00'
keep up the good work! you are my first resource when it comes to “what’s for dinne?”
August 1, 2009 at '15:00'
Hey Christine… I miss you! I was just thinking about good food, and guess who came to mind? Your site gets lovelier each time I visit (is that possible? oh yes it is!) and I know you’ll pass that along to the other guilty party:) Anyway, just wanted to say HI. Don’t know if you can access my email, but if you can, drop me a line sometime:)
August 3, 2009 at '11:38'
Hi Christine,
I miss seeing you here so often! I still use a lot of your salads and am always recommending Holy Basil to others! Hope you will start writing again!!
Denise
http://www.chezus.com
denise@chezus.com
August 9, 2009 at '11:11'
Can you just make all these food at my house? Thanks. It will save me the trouble of making it myself. 🙂
September 10, 2009 at '10:13'
im thinking of making tulsi vinegar. has anyone tried that?
October 17, 2009 at '14:44'
I am really loving the theme
February 11, 2010 at '2:08'
Hi Christine,
I just found out about your blog while searching for a recipe for cá kho tộ. Your blog is so beautiful! I’ve recently started a food blog myself (http://flavorboulevard.com), and I hope you could stop by and give me some advice to make a successful blog like yours. I’m also Vietnamese.
Thank you!
Mai
March 3, 2012 at '12:15'
Hi Christine,
Thank you for coming back. I’ve been always love your blog. Please just write something. I know you are back when I saw the blog back. You dont know how happy I am. Thank you,
Gina
March 30, 2012 at '18:42'
Dear Christine,
I just found a recipe from your class I attended over 8 years ago. I have written a post on your behalf on my website http://bamskitchen.com/2012/03/31/vietnamese-chả-gio-a-long-lost-favorite/. I am so happy your still teaching. I am living in Hong Kong now, but plan on heading back this summer. I hope you will have some course offered then. I am a new happy follower. Take Care, BAM