family dinner

Every couple of weeks, my roommates and I hold a family dinner. We decide on a menu, go grocery shopping, and then come together to cook and eat our finished creations.

In an attempt to resurrect summertime, we took advantage of our flourishing basil plant and made a fresh batch of pesto.

For some reason, I always associate pesto with the summer. Perhaps it’s because of this sandwich.

In any case, homemade pesto is awesome. And you should probably make some tonight to jazz up your life/sandwich a little.

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts (to taste)
• grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste

Combine the above ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  Space permitting, of course; batches may be required.  Make sure to taste it as you process it!

Pesto’s best friend, fresh mozzarella.

We made simple and filling sandwiches on French bread with mozzarella, chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and sauteéd bell peppers and onions.

Next time, I think I’ll pop the sandwiches in the George Foreman. Panini never hurt anyone.