Surprise!

There are lots of things to dislike about summer in Texas, especially this summer with weeks of temps over 100 and no rain. But I do like tomatoes, and basil. The tomatoes are almost exhausted, and we have had lots of salsa, bruschetta, margarita pizza, BLTs, and insalata caprese.

I've only made pesto once, though, so a few weeks ago I decided to make a big batch. I wanted enough leftover to freeze to use in the winter. It will season our soups and sauces and pizzas, at a time when a taste of summer will be welcome.

"I really need a new food processor bowl!" I moaned to Anthony. The last time I made hummus, I had to jerry-rig the safety, since all the plastic parts had broken off. I pushed it down with a butter knife and had Anna operate the button controls. Still safe but ridiculously laborious. "Uh huh," Anthony answered me distractedly.

I washed and spun all the basil leaves, then went to the pantry to get the Cuisinart. There, gleaming chrome in its place, was a handsome, brand-new model. Anthony had purchased it and placed it there without my notice. It was begging for a test drive!

I filled the bowl with basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmeggiano reggiano. I had enough to adorn a pound of pasta and to fill an ice cube tray for later. It was extra satisfying to serve Anthony one of his favorite meals that evening.