A few years ago, on a family trip to Italy, we had an amazing meal prepared by a local chef that included handmade ravioli with a zucchini mint pesto sauce. It was one of the culinary highlights of the trip for me. I asked the chef how it was made, but my lack of Italian and his lack of English didin’t make for very good instructions. I have wanted to recreate that dish since … [Read more...] about Zucchini Pasta Bake with Mint Pesto
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Watermelon with Sweet Pesto
Watermelon and mint are a classic summer pairing. I love it in a sorbet or a sweet tea drink. But basil is a great match with melon as well, so I worked up this sweet pesto, with the herby, grassiness of basil and a little undernote of mint. It really is a fresh taste of the summer garden. Serve the watermelon however you like – in thin wedges, big chunks or pretty … [Read more...] about Watermelon with Sweet Pesto
Squash Blossom Pesto
I adore squash (or zucchini) blossoms. Last year, I even planted some zucchini in an effort to have my own supply. I was not successful. Fortunately, the farmers market here has a vendor or two that sell the blossoms, though they are often claimed early by restaurant chefs. But that’s the beauty of getting to know the farmers – they will put a few aside for you if … [Read more...] about Squash Blossom Pesto