Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto

Recipe Submitted by Donna ..|.. Index | Sauces

Pesto keeps for about a week in the refrigerator. If you make too much, the rest can be frozen.

Pesto keeps for about a week in the refrigerator. If you make too much, the rest can be frozen.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large bunch Basil leaves (about 2 cups)
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt - to taste
• fresh ground black pepper - to taste

Directions

Pour all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Taste, add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pesto is a great sauce for a variety of hot pastas, including spaghetti, angel hair, bow-tie (farfalle), and tortellini. Try flavoring a cold tortellini or rotini salad with pesto. Give homemade pizza a twist by combining regular pizza sauce with pesto, or by replacing it altogether. A bowl of pesto and sliced bread is an easy, yet upscale, appetizer. Lightly spread pesto on chicken, fish, or sandwiches for added flavor.