Pesto is nasty.
Not a big fan of basil?
You need to get out more.
8ully, you could always just throw some garlic thru a press and mix into mayo and then layer fresh basil on your sandwich instead of lettuce.
Pesto is easy to make and it freezes well. So it pays to make a big batch, keep half (to which you add the dry cheese--parmesan, pecorino romano, etc.) and freeze the other. If you use little amounts at a time, you can freeze it in ice cube trays, after which you can put it in a ziploc freezer bag and take out the cubes as needed.
I believe gooseberries are in the same family as currants. I haven't had them, although I'm advised they can grow around here. Currants are delicious and if they weren't so hideously expensive around these parts, making jam from them would be simple. That book looks like fun.
I eat homemade scones and jam pretty much every morning for breakfast. It's a nice way to start the day.
