Pesto gives glow to sunset days of summer

Basil is the herb synonymous with summer. It signals the heightof summer the way asparagus does spring. Its fresh, grassy aroma anddelicate flavor complement seasonal produce, poultry and fish.

I use as much basil in the summer as I can, knowing that theseason is short and that hot-house winter basil is expensive andsomehow seems not as robust.

During August and September when my backyard tomatoes are attheir peak, I often make a meal of tomato, anchovy and mozzarellaslices with minced basil, oil and lemon juice. My food processor isin constant use to make pesto, the fragrant blend of basil, oil,garlic and pine nuts that I serve over spaghetti.

Now I …