Pistachio Basil Pesto

Pistachio Basil Pesto

Fresh pesto typically uses pine nuts however this recipe has a nice twist with roasted, salted pistachios. I bought ones that were already roasted, but you can easily buy them raw and roast them in the oven or stovetop. Serve the pesto on pasta, on pizza, over cooked veggies, or in a veggie sandwich with mayo.

Shelf Life of Pizza and Pasta Sauce

"I've had pizza sauce in my fridge for 5 days can I use it?" asked my son on the phone.

"I don't think so, let me check and get back to you." I reply.

The shelf life of pasta and pizza sauce varies by manufacturer. Once opened, it should be stored in a clean, air-tight container in the fridge. It should NOT be stored in the can.

I went to the website of the pizza sauce manufacturer for my son and was told it lasted in the refrigerated 2-3 days.

Whenever you have a question about a food product, I encourage everyone to go to the website and look for the answers. It's usually under the 'frequently asked questions' section and if it's not there, send them an email or call them. I've done this numerous times and always get a response.

I checked out three different pasta sauces and got three different answers:

1. Prego Pasta Sauce (a division of Campbell’s) – I phoned and was told that once opened, the sauce should not be kept for more than 14 days (2 weeks) in the refrigerator. If you purchase more than you need, they suggest you freeze the extra in plastic freezer bags. It will keep frozen for up to 6 months.

2. Ragu – on their website it says their rich and meaty sauce will last for up to 7 days in the refrigerator and 3 months in plastic bags in the freezer. However, if it’s a cheese creation sauce, than only a few days in the refrigerator and do not freeze.

3. Classico – Maximum 3 – 5 days in the refrigerator and 2-3 months in plastic storage bags in the freezer.

Remember, once you open a jar of pasta sauce, write the date somewhere on the outside of the jar. This way, you don’t have to guess how long it's been in your refrigerator!