Casarecci con Pesto

 Decided to make pesto this evening as I have a good bit of basil growing already. For some reason, I didn't think that Leon would like pesto so I rarely, if ever, make it. 

Of course I had no pignoli* nuts so used walnuts and a small food chopper (the horror of it) but it came out pretty good. Leon liked it.

The Casarecci are from Costco - a premium imported pasta that come in a 6-pack (6 pounds) with two other varieties/shapes (two of each kind).

*Finding Italian imported pignoli nuts is difficult and New Mexico piñon are highly recommended as being as good or better than pignoli. But I was dismayed to find "pine" nuts at Costco labeled "product of China" and I would not even consider that. I may just stick with walnuts.

Pesto: hand-full of fresh basil leaves, two garlic cloves, Kirkland extra virgin organic olive oil (about 1/4 cup, salt, imported parmigiano reggiano, (pignoli) walnuts. Blend with a mortar and pestle or food processor.

We have garlic breath. Time for a cup of decaf and something chocolate.

Pizza Night - Saturday

Made four pizzas...some for Saturday night, some to freeze for another night.

I've posted my bread dough pizza dough on other posts before.  Basically 4 coffee mugs of water, 2 tsp. dry yeast, 3 tsp. +/- salt, and enough all purpose or bread flour (King Arthur or other high quality flour) to make a dough that is just barely still sticky, so has a fairly high hydration. Let it raise in the fridge for 8-12 hours.

Toppings, mix and match: Italian sausage, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, basil, ricotta, anchovies, mushrooms, parmigiano reggiano, mozzarella.

My Version of Chili Con Carne

This is easy comfort food for a winter day.

Pork loin, olive oil, garlic, diced onion, diced jalapenos or chili peppers, hot pepper flakes, chili powder, oregano, canned beans, crushed tomatoes. (I use canned beans because no matter what - soaking overnight, not putting in salt, using baking soda, dry beans will NOT COOK for me. Is it the Cochiti water?)

Saute the veggies and meat in olive oil, add tomatoes and spices and beans and simmer for a couple of hours, more or less.

Serve with a good bread or over rice.