Sun-dried Tomato Pesto

Absolutely love Pinterest and can spend a lifetime there... being a visual person, I always get inspired from beautiful photography, art and inspirational quotes. I was pinning on Pinterest and my eye caught some beautiful inspirational words....

"The privilege of a lifetime, is being who you are" - unknown. 

" You can be the ripest, juiciest peach  in the world and there is still going to be somebody who hates peaches. " - Dita Von Ceese

It triggered a series of thoughts....and I always like to pen my emotions...here is an excerpt from my diary....

It's amazing how I have evolved in the last few years. Done things I thought I would never do because I am not that young or just the fear of negative response from people around me. I don't live on validation.... Ok! a whee bit of a people pleaser. It's not as bad as it sounds- I like to see people happy, ok! Dad was strong-minded  and a very straight forward man - but on the social aspect I was trained (subconsciously) by mother  - great with people management. Somehow she always knows what to say and say it in a way that the message is well received and she's successful in communicating her pleasure or displeasure.  She's a charmer and knows how to use her words well. I guess, I did not inherit that quality and am a bit like dad (all the training from mom, did not do much). Also, married to a man who uses his words wisely but diplomacy is not in his vocabulary. ( lol! makes me laugh at the things he says sometimes) He's a great life coach and always tells me to live my life as an exclamation not an explanation. Can't thank you enough for this ! In this journey, I have realized that there are some people who have pushed me and I have made stronger bonds with them - ( they even do prop shopping for me and gift me things they buy for themselves ). I would not like to talk about the nay sayers, their existence does not bother me  - they exist in their world and me in mine and these two world don't meet.  Even thou, it is important to keep people around us happy but not at the cost of your own self. You really can't live your life trying to please everyone....! As dad would say "....have a dream, follow it, don't trample anyone for your dreams but don't get trampled either....." 

Not everything I write in this space is related to what's cooking....but it is almost always followed by a recipe or at least a photograph of food . :) Today, am sharing an all time favorite pesto recipe. It is a very versatile chutney and you can whip so many variations and each one absolutely delish. You guys are going to love this!

Couple of handful of sun dried tomatoes
1 medium fresh tomato
small bunch of basil leaves
2 tbsp good quality capers
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
4-5 garlic pods
1/4 cup ready to use marinara sauce (preferably home made)
1/2 tsp brown sugar
You can use feta or mozzarella cheese to top it or you could use paneer. It compliments very well with the sauce.

spice blend

2-3 tbsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp crushed pepper
salt to taste

Spin them in a processor, till it is a grainy consistency...you do not want it to be too smooth. You could add anchovies or pine nuts or some other spice blends, there can be a lot of variations.

Use to top crackers and melted cheese, in bruschetta or just good old grilled cheese sandwich with fresh tomatoes and basil. I find it a very versatile pesto, even for pasta.

In the picture above, added the pesto to italian bread, topped with some fresh tomatoes, onions, feta and basil…in the oven for 10-12 min... !