When making pesto, don't over-blend. The blender heats up the herbs, which can make your vibrant green pesto turn brown. You can cook and crumble the bacon strips. You can also slice the bacon into one-inch strips and then cook them so they are more uniform looking. Want to enhance your cherry tomatoes and beets? Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to amp up their natural sweetness.