Thinking of Italy

When I smell the aroma of most herbs I think of Italy. Basil is one of my favorite herbs and it is still doing well in my garden. Today I went out to my garden very early, while it was still cool (about 75 degrees) because early in the morning is when the oils in the herbs are at their highest. I picked a hand full of basil to make some basil pesto. Ummmmm it is so good on pasta!

My Pesto Recipe: makes 1/2 pint

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

3 T. pine nuts

3 minced garlic cloves

Place basil leaves in small batches in food processor and chop well. Add the other ingredients a little at a time and process until a thick smooth paste is formed. Serve over pasta.

Here is the finished pesto. I made 2 batches to make one pint of pesto. You can keep this in the refrigerator for about one week or in the freezer for a few months.

The little art quilt in the background is one I made off a photo. It depicts the villa my friend Lana and I stayed at in Italy a few years ago. Lana is a talented fiber artist. Take a look at her new blog Lana's Threads and Musings. She is just putting up some photos, so keep checking back to see more of her wonderful art.