September is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s when the temperatures start to drop, it’s when toe meets leather, it’s when Starbuck’s pumpkin spice latte returns, it’s the month my baby girl came into our world and, oh yeah, it’s my birthday month, too!
Though filled with so much excitement, it is also making me a bit neurotic. It’s my type A shining through. I don’t quite have the details hammered out yet for some upcoming events. Will I need a sitter next week or will David be home in time? Shoot, I need to clean the house. How do emails pile up so quickly? Can I really make fancy strawberry cupcakes for Hailey’s birthday or should I aim lower (forget that, I’m going for it!)?
I know, I know… first world problems. WAH.
When I feel myself going into an unnecessary tailspin, I know it’s time for a time out. When I seem to have no time for a few minutes to myself, it’s when I know I need it most.
So yesterday afternoon I closed my laptop, set aside my to-do list and decided to spend a couple therapeutic hours in the kitchen during Hailey’s nap.
It’s been a while since I played in the kitchen, purely for fun. I wasn’t sure what to do, but after some fabulous suggestions on twitter, I decided to attempt Marci’s challah bread.
Though seemingly intimidating, it was rather simple, and after a few steps stretching over a couple hours, I was eating soft, doughy, fresh-from-the-oven challah!
While the dough was rising, I spied my out of control basil on the porch and decided it was time.
Pesto isn’t on this week’s menu, but I decided a couple batches for the freezer would be well worth my time.
This pesto is specific for the freezer because the cheese isn’t added in yet. It is simple and bursting with summer flavor, which will make it even more delightful to use once the weather cools off.
Take note that this freezer pesto is just the herb base. It freezes best this way. Some people prefer to freeze in ice cube trays, but since I usually use a bit more than that when either making pesto pizza or pasta, I freeze it in plastic wrap.
Appetizing looking, no? Ha.
I double wrap with plastic, then put them in a freezer bag, clearly labeled. When I’m ready to use it, it’s easy to defrost and mix in the 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (for each half batch).
It’s amazing how a couple deep breaths, list making and pesto can put my nerves at ease.
How do you relax when life get busy?
Erica says
I relax by also stepping away from the electronic devices! Going for a walk is the best anxiety medicine for me, followed closely by curling up with a book or watching a favorite tv show.
Brittany says
That’s such a good point. I’m terrible at always having the computer or phone on me and need to learn to step away!
Paulina says
I’m jealous of your kitchen! All that counter space and obviously there must be some pretty nice storage for all the blenders, mixers, cutting boards, and more! We are constantly shoving things aside like the dish rack, coffee maker, and toaster, to make space to prep and cook meals.
Brittany says
Our last kitchen was tiny, so when we bought this house I was sold on it for the amazing kitchen. I’m spoiled rotten with it now. You probably have some great organization tips you could give me though! I need a kitchen organization overhaul pretty badly!
Michaela says
go into the kitchen.
serisously, I do the same, in fact, just did it yesterday! nothing is more relaxing to me than cooking.
marci says
looks awesome! pretty impressive to bake fresh bread on a whim! so glad you tried it, hope everyone enjoyed it too!
Brittany says
It was SO good. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Stacy K says
I’m going to have to try that Challah bread recipe it looks so yummy! Baking or being in the kitchen is one of my favorite stress releases. I love making a huge mess in the kitchen with multiple projects then spending the remainder of the time scrubbing the kitchen down.
I admit I’m terrible putting the technology away. I’ve made it a point to set “hours” for myself for when I can check email and open up the laptop. Once my baby boy gets here I’m going to delete my work account from my phone while I’m on maternity leave so I can be fully present in those first special months.
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
Yumm, that bread looks SO good!!!! Reading a good book or catching up with the DVR usually gives me the relaxation I desperately need 🙂
Chantal says
I need to harvest my basil and do this…
Sherry says
A friend had some leftover pesto and leftover cream cheese. We mixed those together and it was delicious on pita chips with a glass of wine.
Mrs. D says
I love pesto, and we just froze a ton a few weeks ago…it is soo handy to have pre-made for a quick dinner!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
This is genius! It would be so nice to have this on hand for a surprise dinner guest, etc. I’m totally going to try this!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Wow, lady, that challah bread looks seriously impressive! I can’t believe you just whipped that up! For some reason, bread making intimidates me!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
yum! i love freezing pesto. i freeze mine in ice cube trays and then just pop them into sauces and stuff! yummm
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I <3 challah. And pesto.
blackhuff says
I love it that you use cooking to relax you. There’s so few people who actually uses this method of relaxation. I’m like you, I use cooking for relaxation.
Love the pesto idea.
I love September as well. Weather gets warmer here, I have my mom’s and son’s birthday celebrations in this month along with friend’s get togethers.