Close your eyes and think of your favorite Italian eatery. That aroma fills our kitchen.

Minnesota’s miraculous seasonal changes are a blessing that brings long days of sunshine (sometimes rain) and green – green everywhere you look. Green plants in the garden, variations of green in herb pots by the back door, and even green in the kitchen where my first batch of early summer pesto is resting on the counter.

While the fixings are simple and I can make this delicious condiment from memory: basil, garlic (both from our garden), nuts, Palestinian olive oil, with dashes of fresh ground pepper and sea salt taste (note – the Parmigiano Reggiano will be added when served), I check Beth Dooley’s recipe in The Northern Heartland Kitchen cookbook as a touchstone for perfection.

Happy Gardening and Bon Appétit!