Homemade pesto, a summer ritual

Abundant and prolific herbs is a sure sign of summer. Back in graduate school my husband and I grew herbs on the porch of our apartment and always focused on basil. By this time of year we harvested our prolific basil and turned it into pesto that we dined on all year long. The only difference these days is that we grow the basil in a large garden among a sea of summer produce. The basil is still one of my summer garden favorites. Among mom's many videos here on this blog preserving the taste of summer, making pesto may be one of the most simple and rewarding.

Preserving the taste of summer is a great way to save money and enjoy good food all year long. It is a subtle but important way to take charge of your food and live differently. For other ideas on living differently, check out other posts on this "Fight Back Friday."

View the pesto video directly from YouTube (making pesto) or watch it below.

For other food preservation nuggets check out Mom's videos on fruit leather, frozen "pepper plops" (from cooked pepper), freezing produce, and using overgrown zucchini.

If you struggle at all with depression, get the Rebuild book on depression and food nutrients, endorsed by food writer Nina Planck.

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Posted by Amanda Rose on August 27, 2009 8:00 PM
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Comments (4)

Daily Diner | August 27, 2009 8:57 PM | Reply

Love your blog.

Posted by Daily Diner | August 27, 2009 8:57 PM | Reply

Diane | August 28, 2009 6:17 AM | Reply

I love the book! Although it's been tough getting through the story of your depression cause it brings back memories of my own...don't we wish sometimes we could get a do-over! But since we can't and my oldest will be 25 next Friday, I press on! I keep recommending the book when ever I can.

Posted by Diane | August 28, 2009 6:17 AM | Reply

Cathy | August 28, 2009 1:04 PM | Reply

Love, love, love Pesto.

I'm going to check out that book. I think it's too bad the medical community doesn't give nutrition a better look.

I struggle with growing my basil. Not sure what I do wrong. I know our soil here is extremely acidic.

Cathy

Posted by Cathy | August 28, 2009 1:04 PM | Reply

Amanda Rose replied to comment from Cathy | September 2, 2009 8:35 PM | Reply

You ladies are the best.

Cathy -- Does your basil get plenty of water?

Posted by Amanda Rose | September 2, 2009 8:35 PM | Reply

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Rebuild from Depression

Endorsements

The best book on postnatal depression and food I've seen is Rebuild from Depression, by Amanda Rose, who understands the condition from bitter experience.
Nina Planck,
Author of Real Food

Rebuild from Depression is going to be a very important book. Its dissection of the role of diet and nutrition is well-researched and an eye-opener.
Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Clinical Instructor, UCLA

Rebuild from Depression provides real answers for reversing depression caused by common nutritional deficiencies.
Jan DeCourtney, CMT
Co-author, Recapture Your Health

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Archives

Depression buster foods

From an analysis of over 5,000 foods in the USDA nutrient database, "depression buster foods" are the foods highest in combination of the seven nutrients most commonly associated with depression. Brains need nutrients to be healthy, particularly those nutrients in these foods for depression. The depression buster food list is published in the book "Rebuild from Depression." A subset are displayed here in the depression buster photo album.

Omega 3 foods

Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for brain health and they are disappearing in the Western diet. You need to consume more Omega 3s and fewer Omega 6s. These photos and descriptions of Omega 3 foods will offer you some guidance. Omega 3 fatty acids are one nutrient that helps fight depression. Read more about the Rebuild philosophy on depression-fighting foods.

Gill on the Hill:
Life after depression

There really is life after depression. I am so excited by that point, in fact, that I neglect this blog and find fun/quirky projects to do with my family. We live in the Sequoia National Forest in a house (and former brothel) designed by Irving Gill. My 7-year-old son Frederick and I chronicle our adventures at Gill on the Hill when we're not exploring. Frederick posts some of his homeschool projects at "Frankly Frederick."

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