Sunday, July 26, 2009

A spoonful of pesto

Ah, pesto. It's beautiful, isn't it? We make it fresh, using basil from our garden. Its smell is beyond wonderful, and its taste is even better. We can't get enough of it.

THE RECIPE:
2 1/2 c. packed basil leaves
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. pine nuts (or a couple of tablespoons)
3/4 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients in food processor. Store in air-tight container in refrigerator or put in freezer bags and freeze.
To make bruschetta, spread pesto on a slice of French bread, top with tomato slices and cheese, then toast under the broiler. It's divine!

We used a bunch of our freshly made pesto to make creamy pesto pasta. It was so delicious, I wanted to eat it until I exploded.

THE RECIPE:

8 oz. pasta, cooked and drained*
2 chicken breasts, seasoned with lemon pepper, cooked and chopped
1 c. prepared pesto
3/4 c. mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. frozen peas, thawed
1/3 c. pine nuts, toasted under broiler (watch them closely)

Toss ingredients in a large bowl while chicken and noodles are still hot. Enjoy!

*I used elbow pasta, but I think something like bowtie would look nicer -- not that it matters for taste.

PESTO ROCKS!

2 comments:

Kristy said...

I'm so glad you posted this. I have a ton of basil that I need to use from my garden and was wanting to make pesto. I don't have a recipe for it and was just going to find one online. I'm glad you posted this one, since I know it will be good. I love pesto! Now I just need to get some pine nuts.

Marie said...

I cannot believe that I actually call my daughters for recipes and actually ask them for ideas on how to cook. They have both turned into domestic goddesses in their kitchens. I love all their new ideas and energy. Marie just popped a tomatoe covered with pesto sauce into my mouth. Ya, I'm impressed. I'll be making that stuff or better yet, stealing hers. Laura had me to breakfast the other day and served me the baked oatmeal. It was absolutely delicious. Whoever leaves a positive comment about the food on this blog should also leave a complimentary statement for me. After all if it werent for me non of us would be enjoying the fine food at the DoughEater. Isn't my daughter wonderful. I love you and your food Marie. Mom