The Joy of Pesto, But Not So Much the Dill

I posted earlier this week that I was going to try a new recipe each week for the next month.

My glorious plans of spectacular side dishes didn't happen.  Somehow the week got away from me.

I did try one new recipe, and  I had mixed results.  It's from Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens by Jennifer Schaertl.  The recipe is for a Balsamic Egg Salad.  I like egg salad, but I have to be in the mood for it, and it has to be very simple:  eggs, mayo, mustard, salt and pepper.  This recipe put in balsamic vinegar, green onions, and fresh dill with no mustard.  I thought, ok, easy recipe.  I made it and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator to let everything meld together.

Thursday morning, I made a sandwich and took it to work.  I must confess the brown tint of the egg salad made me pause, but I made it, so I knew it wouldn't  kill me.  Full steam ahead!  I ate half the sandwich for lunch and here is what I discovered:

I hate dill in egg salad.

Otherwise, it tasted pretty good.  The balsamic vinegar mellows out pretty quickly when mixed with the mayo, and adding plenty of salt and pepper always perks up an egg salad.  Even the green onions complimented the eggs.  I am person who enjoys salsa with my eggs, so I'm not surprised the green onions were good.

I did make another recipe from the same book, and it was really good--Pesto Potato Salad.  It's very simple:  Cook some red potatoes until just done; cool and cut into chunks.  Add 1/4 cup basil pesto and 1/4 cup mayo, chopped fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and sun dried tomatoes.  Gently fold it all together, taking care not to destroy the potatoes.

It's really really good, and really really rich.  The sun dried tomatoes add a yummy taste that helps cut through the pesto.  I ate too much the first time I tried it and had a stomach ache, but it didn't stop me from eating it again for the next few days.  Try this with some grilled chicken or a steak.  Bud did not have a chance to try this, since I made it last week and I was pretty sure he wouldn't care much for it.

Anyway, check out the cookbook.  For those of us who have very tiny kitchens that are in desperate need of a remodel, it's full of great tips on what  gadgets you can live without and still make great meals.  I know this to be true, as I've fed many people out of my kitchen with no counter tops and very limited space for moving around.  All you need is love, right?