Homemade Pesto

We have been watching our gardens grow for the past couple of months. Some things are doing better than others. One of those is our basil. Good thing I really like it. I find it so satisfying to prepare dinner with things that I have grown right outside. It’s so great to walk out my door and snip some fresh basil to throw into a dish.

The other night, we were out of spaghetti sauce so I decided to make pesto for our pasta instead. So easy peasy.

• 3 cups fresh basil leaves

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup olive oil

• salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, garlic, and cheese. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.

I use my chopper and mix it all together by hand.

That night, I mixed it all together with spiral noodles and topped with grilled chicken.

Other ways I love to use basil are

• mixed in with mashed potatoes
• on pizza in place of or in addition to red sauce
• in scrambled eggs and omelettes

One I have yet to try is mixed in with cream cheese and spread on a bagel.