Saturday, October 18, 2008

Basil - Pesto






Pesto is the reason why we grow lots of basil!

3 cups basil
3 garlic cloves
1/4 -1/2 c olive oil
pinch of sea salt
3 T pine nuts or walnuts

Optional is 1/2 - 1/2 c fresh shredded Parmesan.

Process in food processor!

Serve on pasta or as a spread on sour dough pizza crust under fresh sliced tomatoes and goat cheese.

Creamy Celery Soup

This year was the first for planting celery in the garden. Apparently it liked the weather we had this year! I was not sure what to do with all of it. We have dehydrated it to use in soups, dressings, and the like this winter.

Today I made a delicious soup with it.

Soup:
3 T olive oil or butter
4 c diced celery with the leaves
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t basil
8 c chicken broth (your soup will only be as good as your broth is so make your own!)

Use a large pot and saute celery, onion, and garlic in the oil or butter. Add basil and broth; simmer for 15 minutes. In the meantime make the sauce.

Sauce:
4 T olive oil or butter
4 T flour
2 c milk
1 t sea salt
1/4 t freshly ground pepper

Heat the olive oil or butter in a small pan. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper to make a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Add the sauce to the soup, stirring constantly.

Serve with a hearty bread and cheese for lunch!