Looking for a handy tool to chop herbs or onions? Try a Mezzaluna. Mezzaluna is Italian for “half” (mezza) “moon” (luna). Used on top of a wooden cutting board or bowl, the mezzaluna usually has two handles and is manipulated with a rocking motion. They are available in both a single and a double blade construction.
Use a Mezzaluna to produce a more authentic version of your regular Pesto sauce. Chopping the ingredients by hand, rather than throwing them into the food processor gives you a coarse beautiful sauce.
Handmade Pesto
1 & 1/2 cups fresh basil, washed and dried
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup pine nuts
2/3 cup parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated
1/3 olive oil
Chop basil in batches, about a half cup at a time. Add garlic, then nuts to basil, chopping to a fine mince. Transfer to a bowl, add cheese and olive oil. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.
