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usadeepsouth.com Phil Bratcher's Recipes - II PESTO I make the best pesto I ever tasted. I have tried many traditional recipes with pineola (pine nuts) and I have purchased many prepared pestos. This is my own recipe and it never fails me. 2 1/2 to 3 c basil leaves washed and dried 1 1/2 c olive oil (use the good kind that's very green) 1 c (heaping) gruyere cheese, grated (you can use romano or parmesan, but try this) 2/3 c walnuts 6 cloves garlic, peeled 1/2 t grated fresh nutmeg Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, about 1 t each Toss items in blender or food processor in random layers and start machine. Pour olive oil in slowly and process till smooth. Store in a covered jar 10 days in fridge or in small amounts 4 months in freezer. A half cup is a serving for 2 people. For a nice salad, slice those last garden tomatoes and spread with pesto, or spread on sour dough bread and toast. Good on mashed potatoes and pasta, of course, or with chicken. My favorite is to cook 8 oz dried pasta. I like a De Cecco #12 or Ronzoni #8 spaghetti or a nice linguini (which means little tongues) cooked very al dente or chewy, about 9 mins. Drain and return pasta to pot. Add 1/2 c pesto and 1 c heavy cream and heat slowly. Cold weather is here . . . so make some pesto and make some love! Reverend Phil Bratcher has been a counselor in private practice for over 10 years. Now in his 25th year of ministry, Reverend Bratcher has worked mostly as a therapist and spiritual counselor specializing in spiritual direction, the relief of depression, life strategies and career planning, long-term illness and relationship issues for couples. He is also trained in The Work of Byron Katie, teaching individuals and facilitating groups in the faith community and his community at large. Often a featured speaker, Reverend Bratcher is a volunteer chaplain for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Upstate Coordinator for the South Carolina Global Warming Campaign for the Christian Action Council in Columbia, South Carolina, and is past Secretary to the Executive Board for Greenville Faith Communities United which seeks social justice and interfaith understanding. Reverend Bratcher makes his home in Greenville, SC, where he is a member of the Metropolitan Community Church and is their interfaith representative to GFCU and past chair of their outreach and singles committees. E-mail Phil at Peacefulstar@msn.com. _________________________________ To read Phil's poetry, click here: A Sampling Bratcher - II Bratcher - III Bratcher - IV Want to leave a comment about Phil’s poems and recipes? Please visit our Message Board or write Ye Editor at bethjacks@hotmail.com. _________________________________ Back to USADEEPSOUTH - I index Back to USADEEPSOUTH - II index