On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, writer, director and creative spirit, Nika Burnett @nikaburnett We talked about how she went from being an athlete, to an undeclared major, to falling in love with philosophy which ultimately landed her into filmmaking. She is a firm believer of 'learning by doing', and it shows as in her recently released bi-lingual film, Brindisi which is currently making its way through the festival circuit. She is a bright light, a champion of curiosity and her soothing voice will truly help release any anxiety. 

BASIL LEMON PESTO (as told my Nika)

Below is the pesto recipe with my moms instructions — I always at least double everything because this is a small batch for a single pot of pasta :

-2/3 c washed tightly packed basil good leaf part only

-3 garlic cloves

-1 lemon seeded & juiced

-1/4 toasted pine nuts

-1/4 c Reggiano Parmesan

-drizzle olive oil 

Pulse everything in food processor except nuts.  Add nuts last so you can control the chunks (I don’t like my pesto creamy smooth. I Prefer some nuttiness w/ pine nuts chunky not pulverized smooth. Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. If it’s too lemony I add more pine nuts. Doesn’t take too much sea salt because of the reggiano. Olive oil drizzle on top afterwards. I toast the pinenuts with a little sea salt in a skillet first.  

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