JULY JOY!! PERFECT PESTO!! SIDEWALK SALE!!

Sooooo much is happening at Design Studio this week I don't know where to start!!

Get ready!! Beautiful new merchandise is arriving every day...these fabulous lamps could be the perfect accessory for that special place in your home. Gina has brought in new jewelry, the boxwood topiaries and balls in new sizes are here and speaking of new arrivals, congratulations to Andrea and Ben King on the arrival of Vittoria Ann King...new baby sister to Louie!!

The shop is filled with great bargains for the Sidewalk Sale...just to mention a few items:
floral stems, pillows, clocks, lanterns, beach signs, red/white/blue summer treats, citronella candles, antique accessories for your garden, urns....and more!!

Today the kitchen was a flurry of activity as Tom and I picked the first crop of basil for our summer favorite ---Pesto!

You have asked me to repeat a blog from 2010 for our family pesto recipe so here it is...so easy, fragrant and delicious on pasta, pizza, fresh tomatoes, grilled bread, baked potatoes, corn on the cob...use your imagination!

       4 cups packed fresh basil leaves (no stems...too thick/tough)

       5-7 garlic cloves (depends on size and your taste choice), peeled

       1/2 cup toasted pine nuts ( in a dry skillet heat to fragrant and golden to bring out the flavor ...

                 takes just  a few minutes)

       1 cup grated real Parmesano Reggiano

        3/4 to 1 cup good quality olive oil

        salt/pepper to taste (I only add a dash of salt to bring up the flavor...the cheese is salty enough for 

                our family's taste)

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, pulse the toasted pine nuts and garlic gloves to a chunky consistency. Add the basil leaves and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Parmesano Reggiano

and pulse several times to blend. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube to form a smooth, thick emulsion.
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin layer of olive oil on top to protect it from exposure to air....air will darken pesto.

If you have questions, stop in the shop and I'll be happy to help you!!


We have been pricing the new fall/Halloween merchandise (I know, I know....summer just got here!!) and we leave for Atlanta to shop for spring, 2014 (!!) and to finish filling in for Christmas (!!!)
Michelle will be happy to help you with sidewalk sale finds and cheerfully answer your questions.

Come see us at Design Studio!!