entertaining, holiday, & everyday tips

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If you are like most of us, holidays and entertaining can be a little hectic. Here are a few of our tricks to make them memorable and enjoyable for your family and guests! Please note that Country Gourmet Herbs Pesto is a concentrated product. You will need about half to a third of the amount as other brands, and all of our recipes have accounted for this savings. Country Gourmet Herbs Pesto is also frozen to preserve its fresh herbal flavor and color.  You are going to love how it takes everyday menu items from so-so to WOW!

Time Savers.  When it comes to cooking rice and pasta, I seem to make way more than we can consume at one setting.  Perhaps this sounds familiar.  I take the leftovers and place in a ziploc bag. When I need a fast meal, I take it out of the freezer and place it into my microwave to heat.  Add some Pesto Butter (see Recipes tab) to heated rice and place a piece of baked salmon on top.  Pasta can also be reheated in the same way. 

Here’s another idea: In a sauté pan, place equal parts olive oil and butter.  Add your favorite pesto. Stir in shrimp and cook.  Add pasta and additional pesto to taste.  Sprinkle with lots of good parmesan cheese and serve.  Quick, easy and satisfying entrée.

Company is Coming.  Don’t panic. Take out some Sage and Walnut Pesto. Place 2 tablespoons in the middle of a small serving platter.  Add olive oil and stir to blend. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Serve with squares of crusty bread for dipping. 

Stir Fry. Cut desired veggies and set aside. Place olive oil in a hot sauté pan. Incorporate your chosen pesto. Celery pesto works beautifully in stir fry dishes, but try them all. Add veggies and stir. Like a little more zing? Add minced garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper.  Place over rice and it’s dinner!

TURKEY

Pesto rub.  Place Sage and Walnut Pesto into a bowl, making sure to have enough to coat your turkey.  Add additional olive oil if needed to spread easily.  Lift the skin up off the breast of the turkey and rub with pesto mixture directly on the breast meat. Replace the skin and continue rubbing the turkey on the outside.   The skin will be golden brown and the turkey breast will be juicy and flavorful.  

Spice it up.  Use our Sage and Walnut Pesto to flavor your dressing instead of store bought dry sage.  If you are serving turkey, you are going to have leftovers. No problem! Add our Sage and Walnut Pesto to your turkey soup, stews, and turkey pot pie mixture. Enjoy any one of our Pestos, i.e., Sage, Chive & Parsley, Parsley and Celery to enhance a turkey sandwich.   

Pesto Butter. This is one of the most versatile tips to make your holiday meals and everyday meals special and so easy.  I make several butters using a variety of our pestos. (See Recipes tab for specifics). It freezes, so you can always have some on hand. This buttery spread is great served with rolls, topping off veggies, baked potatoes, rice dishes and so much more.  It’s also going to look beautiful on your holiday table.