A Working Mom's Meal Plan

The hardest part of my day is when we get home and everyone is immediately hungry. I love to cook and prefer
home-cooked meals, but I don't like to cook much during the work week. And yet, dinner has to get on the table...
My solution: make-ahead meals, freeze-ahead meals and recipes so easy that I'll make them on a Monday. I cook
mostly on the weekends, always doubling recipes, and rely heavily on my extra freezer and a decently-stocked pantry.
This cooking style saves me time and money, and it makes my life simpler—so I can actually enjoy sitting down
to supper at 6 with my family. I hope these recipes will make the witching hour a little better at your house too.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Basil Pesto

A summer cooking essential—I rely on this recipe again and again. Perfect tossed with pasta or on pizza, and it keeps well in the fridge or freezer. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing. (from Gourmet magazine)

3 large garlic cloves
1/2 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 2 oz)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups fresh basil, loosely packed
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Start your food processor and drop in the garlic; stop when it's minced. Add the pine nuts, parmesan, salt/pepper and basil, and process until finely chopped. Keep the motor running and slowly add the olive oil until blended.

For one pound of pasta, use 2/3 cup pesto with 1/3 cup hot cooking water whisked in. If you're freezing some pesto for later, it helps to freeze it in small containers. Will last in the fridge for about a week.

*Another way to use pesto—quesadillas. Spread pesto on tortillas, then fill with fresh baby (or thawed/squeezed frozen) spinach, chicken and monterey jack cheese. Cook in a hot skillet for a few minutes per side.

No comments:

Post a Comment