NANA, Pesto, Machinations.

Pesto Campanelle - I used the following entry:
Pine nuts and Parmesan were added for added flavor and presentation.

A sauce for pasta or meat, can be used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. The classic use is to spread the pesto onto slices of bread which are then toasted. The ingredients are: basil, garlic, salt, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano). The sauce did not originally contain basil, instead, cheese and olive oil were the main constituents.

 * 4 oz. fresh basil
* Approx. 8 oz. extra virgin olive oil
* 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (Leave the cheese out for vegan pesto)
* 1/4 cup pine nuts
* 4 cloves garlic
* Fresh ground pepper and salt to taste

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toast the pine nuts for 10-15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.
3. In a small skillet, heat 2 Tbsp of the olive oil on medium heat.
4. Crush the garlic and sauté in the oil until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine the basil, garlic, cheese and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and chop finely.
6. While the processor is still running, slowly add the remaining oil to reach a paste-like consistency.

Storage: Add a little extra olive oil on top of the filled jar, otherwise the top of the pesto will turn brown as it oxidizes in the air.

Blending... I look like a fuzzy bear man or something with this old Ocean Pacific hoody on.
















Mix into the Campanelle...
















Serving the Campanelle...

Eating the Campanelle...





















We got together and watch the Japanese movie, Nana, based on a Manga by the same name. A story about two girls who meet by coincidence. Both girls are 20 and both girls are named Nana. One is kind of ditsy and the other is a punk rocker. Can you guess which is which (see below)?





















Nana - starring Nakashima Mika & Aoi Miyazaki
















Casey & Akiha

Oh yeah, there was a belated Shaba poker event yesterday. The had a free tournament with Best Buy gift cards as prizes (top 3). I went out sorta early. Very sad. All-in pre flop with K-Q suited and I was called by someone with pocket 2's and lost. So lame! Cash games weren't all that great either as I proceeded down a slippery slope buying in 3 time ($60) but towards the end of the night, I managed to turn it around almost doubling up so hurray! I hadn't done so well playing my cousins over the holidays so it was nice to get some good hands and finally shake off that unfortunate streak.