Thursday, August 20, 2009

Basil Loves Tomato - The Healing Power of Pesto

Yesterday was hard. My clothesline broke just as I was hanging up the last article of clothing. And as it turns out, wasps were nesting in the open end of the clothesline tubes, so when the struts broke, the angry wasps came out and blamed me for the disruption. Then Bronwyn got a tummy bug and was sick all day, and I couldn't hang the laundry out. Oh NOOOOOOO.....! Before I became an hysterical, disgruntled housewife, I sat down with Bronwyn and remembered what was important to me. I remembered that all of these little details are peripheral; my bee stings will heal, Brian will fix my clothesline, and I can use my clothes dryer. Really I'm lucky. And the luckiest bit of all? I have fresh basil and tomatoes to enjoy.

I made a little nest for Bronwyn to rest in, and I made pesto. All of the joy came back into my life from this simple, aromatic activity. I think the fragrance of the basil and garlic perked Bronwyn up, too! Here is my favorite recipe for Pesto:


3 packed cups of Basil Leaves (no stems, no flowers)
1/4 cup chopped nuts (I like pecans, but pine-nuts are also popular)
4 fat firm cloves of garlic
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cups freshly grated parmesean cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil


Pulse in your food processor or blender, then blend on high speed to the consistency that you like.

7 comments:

RosaMarĂ­a said...

sounds really yommy!! i love pesto! thanks for sharing!

vadjutka said...

Sending healing wibes for you!!
(Is pesto good for healing wasp-bites? :-) )
Anyway I love pesto as well, thanks for the recipe!! yummmmmm

Pam said...

Colleen - You are amazing, and inspiring. I loved this beautiful little post. What a day! I love that you shared your crisis and the wisdom that helped you through it. Not to mention a great recipe....Thank you.

Victoria said...

You are an inspiration and I love your attitude! (Personally I think the wasp stings would have done me in.) I love your cure for the blues... fresh tomatoes and home made pesto... my mouth is watering :0)

Unknown said...

Hi Colleen - I agree about the Basil. There is something so aromatic and healing about it. I read that putting potted Basil plants next to windows keeps the flies away. My plants are next to the kitchen door and I haven't dealt with flies all summer. Cool! On hard days I wander out to my herb garden and take it all in, "Rosemary by the garden gate and lavender for luck..."

inaluxe said...

I love your outlook on the day! I think it's easy to get all flustered, and I do it often! he he. I just planted a bunch of basil seeds, so ought to have basil growing all the way to another country soon! :) I'll remember your pesto making experience next time I "lose my cool". thank you! You're fabulous!

Colleen MacDonald said...

Thanks everyone for your supportive comments! Pesto is only good for wasp stings from the perspective that it takes my mind off of my sorrow. I wouldn't actually apply it to the sting itself, although on second thought, it might actually be good for it: the garlic and basil would be healing, but probably not the cheese and nuts!