I was so hot last Saturday, all I wanted was ice cold water and watermelon. I had to be hot because I almost always drink room temperature water. I'd been out and about in the heat and in a hot kitchen for four hours.
Anyhoo, I know flavored waters are all the rage. I have to say that my favorite is what I call spa water. I remember people were baffled by the flavor combination in 2001. I had some at a hotel last week and I was reminded of how refreshing it was.
Start here:
Slice the lemon and lime in half. Slice the cucumber. I used about half of that. You're probably supposed to remove the seeds, but I grew up eating the skin and the seeds. I'm way too lazy to remove either as an adult. Pick the mint and basil (yep, basil) leaves and slightly bruise them with your fingers. Layer everything into a pitcher with ice.
Oops. That photo is a little dark. Add your water and give it a stir.
Of course at the hotel, everything was suspended so beautifully in the lemonade jar ... . This will do for just me. Let this sit in the refrigerator for about an hour. Afterward, take out all of the solids or the water will turn bitter. Save them and use them for garnish. Wonderfully refreshing!
This is about the joy of creating something new and wonderful; the disappointment of a failed effort; and the addictions associated with both. It is a testament to my love of the right and often the best kitchen tools. Hopefully, this blog makes you hungry, provides a useful tip or two and (most importantly) inspires you to get in the kitchen with the right tools.
Showing posts with label basil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basil. Show all posts
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Perfect Pesto
Pesto is one of the most flavorful sauces (or is it a condiment) you can make. It's very simple. It is kinda strong, so a little bit goes a long way.
Start with a clove of garlic, a handful of pine nuts (toasted if you have the time) and a couple of handfuls of basil. Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Give it all a good whirl in the food processor.

This needed more nuts and garlic. Garlic gives it a good kick without adding heat.
Now, let the processor run and stream in the olive oil (extra virgin only, please). Add enough until you get a paste.
Stir in some grated Parmesean cheese. Bam! You have pesto. Toss it with pasta. Slather it on baked/broiled chicken or fish. Stuff it in pork, lamb or even beef. It fabulous as the sauce for a white pizza. Yum!

Tools of the trade:
Start with a clove of garlic, a handful of pine nuts (toasted if you have the time) and a couple of handfuls of basil. Add salt and freshly ground pepper. Give it all a good whirl in the food processor.

This needed more nuts and garlic. Garlic gives it a good kick without adding heat.
Now, let the processor run and stream in the olive oil (extra virgin only, please). Add enough until you get a paste.
Stir in some grated Parmesean cheese. Bam! You have pesto. Toss it with pasta. Slather it on baked/broiled chicken or fish. Stuff it in pork, lamb or even beef. It fabulous as the sauce for a white pizza. Yum!
Tools of the trade:
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