Sauces and Stews

Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 chopped garlic cloves
salt

Throw everything into the food processor.  Run until the mixture is the desired consistency.  Presto - pesto.
In a larger food processor I find that I need to stop it every once in a while because larger basil pieces get stuck on the side of the bow.

Things we like to do with Pesto

With pasta:  Pesto is terrific with sundried tomatoes and black olives.  Just throw everything in with the cooked and drained pasta and mix until it is evenly coated with pesto.  We'll also like to add seasonal vegetables like asparagus or red peppers.

Foccacia Baci:  We stole this dish from a great restaurant in Ottawa.  Spread the pesto onto a store bought pizza crust (or foccacia if you can find) and chop up sundried tomatoes and black olives.  Then we add a little grated parmesan and cheddar and pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Farenheit for about 8 minutes (or until the crust and cheese is lightly browned).  Slice and serve.

Tara's Festive Chili

1 28 fl oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
1 19 fl oz (540 ml) can red kidney beans
1 cup TVP
1 sm can corn kernels
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
2 tblsp chili powder
2 tblsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup soup stock (or water)
water

Rehydrate TVP with soup stock or very hot but not quite boiling water.  Let stand about 5 minutes before using.
Saut�e onions and garlic in a large pot.  When onions become soft and opaque add the TVP.  Continue to saut�e for about 5 minutes.  Add the green pepper, celery and carrot and continue saut�eing for another 5 minutes.  Add the can of crushed tomatoes and half a can of water - add spices.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.  Rinse the kidney beans very well and add to pot.  Allow to simmer for a 1/2 hour.  Add the drained corn 1 minute befor you take the chili off the stove