basil pesto chicken with penne: saturday sharing.

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It wasn't that pleasant a day on Saturday, weather wise. The temperature couldn't decide whether it wanted to be hot or cold, and the sun only occasionally graced us with its presence. Summer is showing us that it is soon going into hibernation and giving its warm throne up to colorful autumn. With the change in the season, comes a change in food.

Josh, Stelna and I felt the chill beginning to creep into the air and were on the same page (Stel literally, while Josh was in contemplative mode) in terms of what food would comfort us against the devastation wreaked with knowing that summer will soon be over - pesto pasta.

 The smell of fresh basil, frying on the stove, is enough to revive any body, and any stomach, from summer-withdrawl.

Digging in was almost a triumph over the weather. And as we gazed out of the window, at a time when we thought the sun should still be up, we wondered what the autumn would bring. I know at least - heartier food. And I look forward to the challenge.

Basil Pesto Chicken with Penne

2 c. dried penne pasta
2 tsp. olive oil

Pesto:
1 c. fresh basil 
1/4 c. grated parmesan
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. pine nuts
1/2 lemon, squeezed and zested
3 garlic cloves
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
1/2 tbs. tarragon
1/2 tbs. oregano
1/4 c. parmesan cheese, powdered
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbs. olive oil
2 onions, diced

1. Combine all pesto ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth. Set aside.

2. Put pasta on to boil. Cook until al dente. Drain, add 2 tsp. olive oil, mix well and set aside, covered.

3. Combine all ingredients for chicken breasts together except for the olive oil and onions. Heat the oil in a sauce pan on medium. Add the seasoned breasts and onions; cover. Cook on one side until brown, about 5 minutes, then cook on the other, about another 5, until done. Remove and slice.

4. Pour pesto on pasta.  Add cooked onions to pasta. Stir until everything is coated. Either add the chicken into the mix, or serve on top.

5. Pray. Eat. Enjoy the last vestiges of summer.