Aruuuuugula Pesto. Yummmmm.

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It's quite simple. Even though its name is not. Arugula. Eruca sativa. Also known as rocket, roquette, rugula and rucola.

And yet it is simply and utterly delicious. I do believe I love arugula pesto better than basil pesto.

And it all started with a dive diner.

We pass by the Circle E Diner in Hancock, NY every weekend on our way to our river cabin on the Pennsylvania side of the beautiful Upper Delaware River. That diner is ALWAYS packed. There are ALWAYS people parking and walking in. And every time, I am scratching my head and wondering WHY. I went there once. And it was horrible. It gave me a very uncomfortable feeling inside and the food was bad diner food.

And so when our friends chose to vacation in the country near us and they chose to dine at the Circle E Diner one evening, they told me about their pleasant surprise with the menu! They informed me that the diner has *gourmet nights* from Wednesday to Saturday!! They described their entree, and I was SHOCKED and yet drooling. It sounded fantastic.

My friend ordered the butternut squash ravioli with arugula pesto.

I can't say that I have been to the Circle E Diner since that conversation a few weeks ago (I still haven't been able to go in after my last experience there), but the thought of arugula pesto would not leave my brain or my intrigued palate. One day, I just happened to have all the ingredients in my home, and I just HAPPENED to stumble upon some GORGEOUS all-natural butternut squash ravioli in our local Hannaford supermarket. And after our CSA pick-up of heirloom tomatoes (yes, I had fresh mozzarella and basil in the fridge already!), dinner was served.

This is my artistic interpretation of the ingredients that make up the arugula pesto:

Recipe ~

About 6 ounces of arugula.
Cloves of garlic to taste...I used 2 large ones (fresh garlic, too!!...yum!!)
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmegiano-Reggiano (I only had a block of Parmesan in the fridge, and that was fantastic enough...)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Season w/salt and pepper to taste.

OH.MY.GOODNESS.DEEEEELICIOUS.

EnJoy.