AUGUST 26 • 2021 | 71
FOOD
FROM THE HOME GARDEN OF CHEF AARON EGAN
W
hile my plants
appreciated the
rain this summer,
we could have done without the
flooding throughout the city.
The herbs I
started this season
are springing up
to their mature
heights. I’ve got a
couple varieties of
basil, mint, parsley
and even tender
marjoram.
With any amount of basil
growing in your garden, let alone
any other fresh herbs, you’re
always presented with a huge
amount of greenery to harvest.
One of the best ways to preserve
the fresh flavors of these herbs is
to create a pesto.
While the classic Pesto
Genovese contains Genovese
basil, extra virgin olive oil, two
grainy grating cheeses (parmi-
giano and pecorino), pine nuts,
garlic and salt, there are other
variations that can be explored,
and the fundamental basic com-
bination of oil and fresh herbs is
the key.
BASIC PESTO RECIPE
2 cups fresh herb leaves,
packed in snugly
⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
kosher salt + fresh black pep-
per to taste
Additionally, you can add:
¼ cup lightly toasted nuts (try
blanched almonds if you’re aller-
gic to tree nuts like me)
½ cup grated parmigiano,
pecorino or grana padano (or
other piquant aged, grated
cheese)
1. Combine all ingredients in a
food processor or blender and
process until smooth and well
combined.
2. Transfer to an airtight storage
container; use promptly.
3. To prepare container; seal
tightly.
VERSATILE PESTO
A classic basil pesto will be deli-
cious on pasta as a simple dish
or as a component on a larger
plate; it’s also an excellent com-
plement to fresh tomatoes from
your garden.
Parsley pesto is delicious on
dishes with dark, rich flavors for
a bright finish, especially around
Passover.
Cilantro pesto, fortified with a
little lime juice, brings the flavor
for Mexican dishes — or, togeth-
er with lemon juice, it isn’t out
of place in the Sephardi culinary
repertoire.
Mixing your herbs up is also
always good: Basil pesto can be
stretched and amplified with
some amount of parsley (¼ or
⅓ of the total herb amount, for
a start); and a pesto of fine herbs
(parsley, chervil, chives and tar-
ragon) brings intensely French
flavors to the plate. Experiment
and preserve the fresh tastes of
summer for later enjoyment.
Chef Aaron blogs about his garden on
the Facebook page of the Isaac Agree
Downtown Synagogue. Reprinted with
permission.
Chef Aaron
Egan
Preserving
Your Herbs
JANUARY 2 2020 |
71
the exchange
community bulletin board | professional services
For information regarding advertising please call 248-351-5116
Deadline for ad insertion is 10am on Friday prior to publication.
JF Green Renovations
Your Trusted Local Expert For Interior & Exterior Restorations
ROOFING
ROOFING SIDING
SIDING CHIMNEY RESTORATION
SEAMLESS GUTTERS
MOLD & FLOOD REPAIRS
SPECIALTY REPAIRS INCLUDE:
Brick, Stone, Concrete, All Masonry, Rotted and Damaged Wood,
Cedar Roof
ng, Decks & Patios, Retainer Walls,
Critter Control & Repairs, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tile and Flooring
CALL JOHN: 248-770-8772
FORMER MARINE
Free Attic,
Crawl Space
& Basement
Inspections
HEALTHCARE
A1 CAREGIVER/COMPANION.
Experienced, excellent
references. 248-991-4944
24-HOUR AFFORDABLE
CAREGIVER w/ Memory
Care, Med Reminder
& Companionship
Experience. 26 Years
of Excellent Services!
References Available. Call
April 586-335-5377
15+ yrs experience. Expert
in elderly care BA. Part time.
Cynthia 248.896.4372
Agency looking to hire kind,
friendly, experienced and
reliable caregivers for our
wonderful families. Immediate
interview and orientation
only if requirements are met.
Thank you!
Please call Amy
248-277-5350.
TRANSPORTATION
A1 DRIVER for Drs
appts,shopping,
errands,airports and more.
(248) 991-4944
1 AAA BEST DRIVER
Reasonable RatesAirport
$50.All cars washed and
disinfected twice a day.
Harold 248.496.1302
Reliable Driver-Best Rates
Airport, appts., errands,
shopping & more or ask? Call
David 248-690-6090
SERVICES
Housekeeper needed for
cooking and cleaning for 2
senior adults in Bloomfield
Hills. $25.00 per hour 2 to
3x a week. Please call 248-
362-4666
AAA Cleaning Service.15
yrs. in business.Natalie 248-
854-0775
A MOVING truck to Florida
and returning Bud 239-273-
3565
ANTIQUES
WANTED. / BUYING
/ ANTIQUES &
COLLECTIBLESCOINS,
STAMPS, WATCHES,
CAMERASPlease Call
(248) 259-8088 or Text
(313)395-8599Website=
a.airsite.coEmail=
wevexgotxstuff@aol.com
AUTOS- DOMESTIC/
IMPORTS
CASH FOR VEHICLES any
make or model Call Barry
248-865-2886
SITUATIONS WANTED
Caregiver seeking hourly
position for elderly care. 15
yrs. exp. Call Melinda 248-
550-5637
MISCELLANEOUS
Looking for Daily Care
and Living Options for
your Loved ones? Let
us Help!Our caregivers
are highly skilled and
compassionate at heart.
Call to schedule a free
consultation @586-221-
8794
JN 1/8 page
Weekly
Headlines
Delivered
to Your Inbox.
thejewishnews.com/newsletter