Passionate about Pesto!

If you have been wondering if I have fallen off the blogosphere - here I am!  Though admittedly on the missing list for the time being - it will only be temporary while I help my mother with her move!

HOW I SURVIVE THE TIME-CRUNCH

While sorting and packing, selling and dispersing - my diet has become more or less minimalist and simple.

One of the things I have grown quite passionate about during these busy days is pesto.  I have been making parsley pesto, mint pesto, basil pesto, cilantro pesto and today I am going to make dill pesto.

I make the pesto in large batches with pine nuts, olive oil and all the familiars, freeze it in ice-cube trays, wrap the frozen nuggets in wax paper, and store them in baggies in the freezer.

When I am short on time I pop one out of the freezer knowing that it will defrost in moments and add no end of pizzaz to my meal.

These little shots of flavor really do wonders for a streamlined life-style.  

Since most of us experience the occasional time-crunch it is nice to have a repertoire of meal time solutions to help us through those times.  Some of the things that have helped me through my own time-crunch has been crock pot meals, big batches of soup that last 3 - 5 days and only need re-heating, yams and sweet potatoes baked in a toaster oven, and occasionally even frozen vegetables (probably peas are my favorite as they hold up fairly well to freezing).

When things get really ridiculous I have been known to go to Whole Foods and get a freshly made sushi roll with brown rice and avocado.  I NEVER get tired of sushi.

Yes Please to REAL FOOD!

The Little Chef

Here is a photo of my very most precious nephew Colton.  Colton and I have something important in common.  We both say "Yes Please!" to real food. Food fascination is something that definitely runs in our family.  My brother Paul, Colton's father, in fact, who works as an attorney by day, is actually an exceptionally accomplished and adventuresome chef once he gets home at night.  He often sends me mouth-watering photos, via e-mail, of his latest kitchen creation that he and Colton and Amanda enjoy together.

Here are some of Colton's favorite foods:

Favorite Fruit:            STRAWBERRIES

Favorite Vegetable:   POTATOES

Favorite Cheese:        ROBUSTO From Whole Foods

Favorite Snack:          YOGHURT AND KEFIR

Favorite Meal by Dad: SPAGHETTI with HOMEMADE MARINARA made with finely chopped onions, celery carrots (mirepoux) sauteed in olive oil and garlic with San Marzano crushed tomatoes and a bay leaf.

Favorite thing to make in the kitchen:  Colton likes to husk CORN and bake and decorate COOKIES.

I invite you to leave comments for Colton on my blog and I will make certain that Colton receives them.