Say So Long to August. . .

Summer always seems to go by so fast. . .

Happy Fish

 

 

All of our koi and goldfish are very happy in the new backyard pond. They have lots of room to swim and have all gotten much bigger in the extra space.
Some of the goldfish, the first inhabitants of the new pond, spawned when we first put them in the pond. Quite a few of the baby goldfish have survived and are about three inches long now!

After all of my husband's hard work on this project to dig, fill and landscape the pond, it's been so relaxing to sit and enjoy the beautiful fish enjoying their new home.

Fresh Basil Pesto

I love the extra flavor fresh herbs add to a dish and basil is one of my all time favorite herbs. Fresh basil pesto is deliciously fragrant added to your favorite pasta, served hot or cold. I've posted this recipe before, but it's so good and easy I thought I'd share it again.

 

 

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Combine the basil in with the nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

 

Serve with your favorite pasta or spread over toasted baguette slices.

This recipe makes a little more than 1 cup.

 

 

What's your favorite way to use fresh herbs?