It's a pity your friend didn't give you plants rather than cuttings. You could try planting cuttings, but whether they will survive is unsure. I've never had much luck with basil cuttings. My plants are still doing well in November, but it's warm here. They do want to flower, but I remove any flowers as soon as they appear.
That is one of four plants on the balcony.
I do have two plants which I have allowed to flower as I want the seeds for next year.
As to your immediate needs, I'd be eating a lot of Thai or Vietnamese food and making lots of pesto or the French version without pine nuts, pistou. Both freeze well.
