Garden fresh basil pesto and other lovely things to eat!

Hot, Hot, Hot! Oh man! I gotta say I like the heat. Gets the bread proofing a lot faster, reducing the final proof time to 1.5 hours before going into the oven.That means we can bake more!

My garden loves the heat too. I've finally had success with basil!  It's the June heat that got it off to a good start. It's usually rainy and cool on the Sunshine Coast of BC at that time of year.Try my basil pesto. It's very easy and freezes well too. You can freeze the leaves pureed with some olive oil. Pack it into a freezer bag or ice cube trays and you're all set for the fresh taste of basil all winter long.

Basil Pesto: blend 2 cups fresh basil with 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts, 3 cloves of fresh garlic and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan in a blender until smooth.

Here are some great places on the coast Russ and I have gone to with the kids this summer:
Greenroom Organics OMG! the baby tomatoes are sooo sweet! They're like candy! The green leaf lettuce is sweet too, who would have thought lettuce could taste this good!
Henry Reed Produce exceptional array of organic produce including lovely lettuces you can't find at the grocery store.
Fiddlehead Farmer's Market everything fresh grown or hand made on the sunshine coast in one convenient place every Sat until Oct.

At Vancouver we visited our favorite place Granville Island Public Market. I thought after 6 years on the coast that I was over the city but no! everything was beautiful and fresh! I haven't seen steaks like that since the last time we visited. I wish I had a picture for you.

I do have a picture of the jelly fish at Vanocuver Aquarium. The kids just loved it! They had such a great time! We searched for the sloths but they were definitely hiding from the crowds. It's a good idea to get there early if you don't like to wait in line (that's me!). I was pleasantly surprised with the tasty halibut and chips on offer. Crispy, thin batter with just the right amount of fish. I won't shy away from the fast food there. Yum! 

At the shop this week, we are making summer peach pies. What a treat! with a little nutmeg and flaky butter pastry. We also have blueberry with a touch of lemon and cinnamon, and how about the perennial favorite our signature apple chai spice with ginger and cardamom.

Hard to believe but pumpkin pies are up next....recipe to follow in my next issue of Burnt Toast.


Let me know what you think of the pesto recipe. Have fun and enjoy!

April Qureshi