Fond Flavours of Italy & Dining Alfresco

Last year my travels to Italy gave me a fresh appreciation for the genius of true Italian cuisine. I adore their philosophy of simple food, homemade with the freshest ingredients. Herbs and vegetables grown under that magical Italian sun are delicious indeed. 

One of my favorite memories is wandering through Porto Venere, a charming coastal town. Down a narrow street, we sampled fresh pesto and bought a jar. I can still recall that indescribably delicious flavour and aroma! When I got home, I vowed to recreate that recipe. (And by the way, I went to several specialty Italian stores here in Canada and could not buy anything similar. The Pesto they sell here is not even made with Olive Oil )

Fresh Italian style Pesto (all measurements are approximate, Italians don't measure :)

1 1/4 cups Good Quality Fresh Virgin Olive Oil (good olive oil has a date on it)

1 cup (lightly packed) fresh picked basil

4 ounces Pecorino Sardo (I subbed Pecorino Romano)

4 ounces Parmigiano Reggiano

1/2 cup pine nuts

2-3 garlic cloves (to taste)

1/2 tsp of salt (to taste)

I did use a food processor to blend the ingredients but the authentic Italian way is to use a mortar and pestle by hand. 

Voila! Dinner alfresco with Italian Pasta and Chicken breast with my freshly made pesto!

I'm wearing the Prism Tunic in Lime Leaves 

And a bottle of B.C. wine! (shop local!)

It was a beautiful evening, sitting outside watching hummingbirds and bees buzz by and reminiscing of our incredible cruise that included 3 stops in Italy.