Mint Pesto Pork Chops over Mediterranean Pasta
I found a great garden center this week (Steve thinks "uh oh") and they had some beautiful basil plants. And, at only $10 EC a piece, it's cheaper to buy the plants than to buy the little fresh herb packages at the store. So I bought 6 plants and with that much fresh basil, pesto had to be on the menu. The addition of mint to the recipe adds an amazing aromatic component and also makes it very refreshing during the hot days of summer. Pork: Mint Basil Pesto Pasta 4 to 6 pork chops, 3/4 inch thick Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 tablespoon garlic, minced 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Pesto: 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/4 cup olive oil Pasta: 1 lb dry pasta (I used rotini) 2 peppers, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 roma tomatoes, diced 2 cups fresh spinach, ch...