At the same time, the wine's earthiness gives it a lustiness that also would go well with thick veal chops smothered in a sauce of tomatoes, basil, black olives and lemon zest.

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Slices of Wisconsin mozzarella are topped with a garlicky, yet subtly sweet tomato sauce, and the fresh basil and homemade sausage pack a punch.

BBC: The deep rooted history of Chicago��s deep-dish pizza

The skin is fried to a crisp, but the flesh beneath remains delicate, and the accompanying nuoc mam sauce vibrates with the tang of sweet basil, chili, and cilantro.

NEWYORKER: Rouge et Blanc

To make the sauce, hand-chop pistachios along with basil, mint, fennel fronds, scallions, lemon zest and garlic until fine.

WSJ: Jenn Louis's Burrata With Roasted Nectarines and Pistachio-Herb Oil

Add the tomatoes and basil, and cook over a medium heat for 25 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

CNN: Frankie's parmigiana

Then again, I don't know how many dogs can tell the difference between fresh and canned tomato sauce, or register disappointment if their pie shows up without a sprig of fresh basil.

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