Hitting Send

The view through my lens lately has looked like a lot of basil with more than a chance of pesto being made! haha Some of my readers will remember that back in Spring I took myself on an Artist’s Date by planting herb pots. One of these herb pots was for basil alone and it grew up to be a very big, proud plant, for which I was so grateful. But, oy! What to do with it all? I know! Let’s make pesto!

I know most people harvest their basil leaves prior to its flowering, and I actually did cut it back and try to dissuade the flowering process from occurring. hahaha The flowers not only grew back practically overnight, but they grew big and beautiful, attracting many, many bees. I thought it was sweet to watch the bees dancing round and round my basil plant from Sun up to Sun down, as they are fascinating and impressive creatures, but it also allowed me to stretch my comfort zone, as the basil sat directly next to my favourite swing. I would sit in my swing, keeping a watchful eye on the bee’s activity, but before long we all became so comfortable with each other that I could lie down in my swing, head inches from their buzzing! I’ll tell you, dear reader, this was an amazing experience for me! I went out each evening and fearlessly watered my basil while bees flitted about right next to me, swirling round my head. I not only had a new respect and appreciation for them, but a comfort level I’ve never experienced before. Beautiful!

I was reluctant to chop down my basil both because the lovely bees were still coming and because I was attached to the routine of watering my beautiful plant twice a day. But it was clearly time, and it was going to be a really big job! lol I began early in the day, letting the plant know that it was time, and asking for its blessing, I took down one stem after the next and placed them on a towel. There was a bit of resistance from the bees, who followed me (or rather the basil) across the yard. I tried to communicate to them that it was no longer theirs. Not once did I fear them, though I did feel a little sad for the bees. But, hey, there were almost no flowers left! I had waited as long as possible! BTW, save those flowers! They are an incredibly tasty addition to eggs, salads, rice, and more!

Pesto Recipe
*2 Cups of Basil
*1/2 Cup Parmesan
*1/2 Cup of olive oil
*3 Tablespoons of pine nuts
*3 garlic cloves
*salt

Harvesting, washing, and drying the leaves was an all day job, but I was left with stacks and stacks of basil leaves ready to be made into yummy pesto. So, into a blender (I recommend using a food processor, but mine is too small for such a big job, so I used a blender) I put high quality, extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan, pine nuts, freshly crushed garlic, basil, and a touch of salt. Blend, and voila! Pesto! Yes, it really is that easy! Harvesting the basil for two cups takes a bit of work, but that can also be easily purchased. It’s worth it to make your own pesto from scratch! It’s Yummy!!!
Extra tip: pesto freezes very well! Just seal the top with a thin layer of olive oil and freeze for up to 6 months.

In Tune With Mother Nature
If you listen for the songbirds
As they greet the summer sun,
And love the way the wind can make
The trees sings just for fun;
If you like to hear the ocean
As it drums upon the shore,
And imagine all the whales out there,
And hope they’ll sing some more;
If you think of all the animals
As players in a band,
Each with a lovely tune to play,
All needed on the land;
And know that as a boy or girl
A woman or a man
You have a vital role to play
In Mother Nature’s plan;
If you honor every living thing
As a part of nature’s treasure
You’re in tune with Mother Nature
So let’s all sing her song together.

~Author Unknown~