Sauces N Love Pesto

Sauces N Love Pesto is a jarred pesto from Esplanda, listed here in the snacks aisle. That placement suggests a spread-and-dip role as much as a pasta sauce. Product details on file don't list ingredients, size or regional style, so check the label for those. Pesto in the classic style is built on basil, olive oil, hard cheese, pine nuts and garlic. Expect a green, herbal, savory paste with a nutty richness and a garlicky edge, though this jar's exact recipe may differ. Pesto is usually best used at room temperature or gently warmed. Heat dulls fresh basil and can turn the oil greasy. For pasta, loosen a spoonful with a splash of the starchy cooking water off the heat so it coats the noodles instead of clumping. Shapes with ridges or twists, such as fusilli, trofie and casarecce, hold it well. The same paste works cold as a spread on toasted bread, crackers or flatbread, and a thin layer under mozzarella and tomato makes a quick sandwich. As a snack, it pairs naturally with sliced baguette, crisp breadsticks, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and raw vegetables for dipping. Stirred into mayonnaise or yogurt, it makes a milder dip. A spoonful also adds a herbal note to scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes or grilled chicken. Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated. A thin layer of olive oil over the surface helps keep the color from darkening. Follow the storage directions printed on the label.