First Pesto at the Cabin!

At one time, basil represented hate, but later it was thought to represent love. 
During the Victorian era, it represented good wishes. 

Ocimum basilicum

Gender:  Masculine
Planet:  Mars
Element:  Fire
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Basil is one of my most cherished herbs, and every year, it is prominent in my garden. But this year, since I was in the middle of moving out of state, I didn’t have a garden. Both of my daughters knew I’d miss my favorite plants, so they both started growing basil, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, flowers and herbs for a cabin garden. Today was the first day I had enough basil to harvest and make pesto!

Pesto, from the Italian word pester, means to crush or pound. You could use a mortar and pestle, but a food processor will make your job much easier!

Prepare your favorite pasta - angel hair, linguini, etc. - and have it ready so you can put the sauce on top and eat it immediately!

Pesto will turn a dark green when exposed to the air, so if you have extra, top it with a spoonful of olive oil spread over the top and cover with plastic wrap, pressing down to keep any air from reaching the pesto.

Pesto 

4 - 5 peeled garlic cloves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cups fresh, tender basil leaves
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
I/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt
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Drop the garlic cloves and pine nuts into a food processor and process until finely chopped.
Add the fresh basil and cheese and continue to blend until pulverized. 
Scrape down the sides to be certain everything is blended. 
In a steady stream, slowly pour the olive oil into the food processor tube. 
Add salt to taste - you won’t need much because of the parmesan cheese. 

Pour on prepared pasta and serve immediately.