"What Do You Prefer,Mortar or Blender?" - "YES!"

-  I don't know much.... just enough to be dangerous -

It is the Motto of Becky.

With the lesson at GiglioCooking she added one more thing to her knowledge:  which is the best way to take when we are at a choosing fork.  It is  YES.

Working in the kitchen, at the moment of making Pesto, I explained how to make it traditionally with the mortar or in a fast way with the immersion mixer. 

At my question.

- Michael, what do you prefer, mortar or blender? - 

the reply was:

- YES!"

Becky turned head, saying:

 - Michael, it is a choice..."

the reply:

- YES! -

Becky just turned her eyes up without saying anything else.

Anyways, talking about Pesto: I know I look blasfeme to a Ligurian, where the Pesto finds its origin and  where it is made EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE MORTAR, with the tiny leaf basil, with their superbly light olive oil of Oliva Taggiasca. 

But... but, in our running life we must be able to utilize technology without ruining perfect foods.

The difference of making Pesto with the mortar or with the blender is basically the order we add the ingredients.

With the mortar, start with a few grains of coarse salt, "cream" a little garlic clove, then start to add the leaves of basil - previously washed and  dried - pressing them against the stripped walls of the mortar with the pestle, until they release their essential oil and become a sauce. Then press the pine nuts in the green sauce. Finally add grated Pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil ( the oil should be not strong in taste).

With the immersion blender, the procedure is almost contrary: start with pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil and blend. Finally add the leaves. Optionally season with thin salt ( dueto the presence of Pecorino, some of us prefer to not). This way prevents the leaves to get dark for oxidation.

Michael and Becky have been very kind and ...fun; working with them has been delighful, informative for the pleasant conversation  and .....immaginative. 

Please, allow me one more question: 

"Michael: will we see again in USA or Italy?"- "YES!"