Summer Bounty

 

Yesterday morning I went to our local Farmer's Market and loaded up my basket with wholesome goodies, felt the grass beneath my feet and said hello to a few friends who also wandered by with their baskets and babies, and dogs, and children pulling wagons.   Here's a sample of my bounty; from which came a great Pesto Fest in my kitchen later in the day.  

I think fresh pesto tastes best, but it has a short shelf life in the fridge.  After experimenting a little over the years, I've found a convenient way to freeze it.  I make several batches in my food processor, adding to the fresh basil leaves; chopped garlic, pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil to make a thick paste.  (I don't add parmesan cheese.  I like to add fresh grated cheese to the dish when I make it.) 

Then, I spoon the pesto paste into snack-size zip-loc bags, flattening and smoothing it into the corners so the bags lay flat as they freeze on a cookie sheet.  Once frozen, I place the bags into a larger freezer bag, add a date, and voila!  The bags stay neat and tidy and fresh pesto is handy when I need it.  As it's frozen , you can just break off as much or as little as you need, and not a bit is wasted.  It will last a year or more in the freezer (without the cheese).  However, it rarely lasts that long. 

My little bag of "Green Gold". 

Comments

[Strikkelise]

That market looks like heaven. I too like making pesto, I usually chuck the parmesan in the mixer with the rest of the stuff.

Cute foot painting :)
and that card reminds me of something in my childhood that used to be called "Holly Hobbie", a series of stationery, toys etc. Did you have that?

[vicki]

I used to throw everything together too but like to add freshly grated cheese instead. It's also nice this way for using it as a flavoring to salad dressing, goat cheese, etc. But anyway, about Holly Hobbie, oh yes...I remember her well! However, this card has a signature that just says, "AMY".

[Lyn]

That's a beautiful painting and I adore your monkey- so cute !!
Thanks for the pattern links, I haven't even started mine yet so I'd better crack on.

[Pam Kellogg]

Your photographs are just so beautiful! When I come here, it's like looking through a magazine but better because there are no ads!

Looking forward to your next update!

[Maggie]

This watercolor is just lovely. I stumbled across your Flickr and found your blog, delightful handmade goodies indeed!