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Fresh basil in our garden
Summer is here and our “salad garden” is going strong. Our fresh basil is ready for picking…we’ve already used a bunch, so I thought it might be a good time to explore some recipes for making pesto.
Pesto is said to be the oldest sauce on the planet. It is named after its method of preparation: pestatura (grinding) of leaves and other ingredients with mortar and pestle. Nowadays, we use the Cuisinart.
Below are two versions. The first is my wife’s, which is more traditional. The second is from a family friend, and is unusual, but very good.
Serve either of these over pasta.
Jenni's Pesto
About 4-6 cloves of garlic: let them dance in the Cuisinart until
they are chopped small.
Stuff Cuisinart full of basil leaves (not stems); turn Cuisinart on,
and start drizzling in extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is as
mushy as you want.
Add parmesan and pignoli (pine nuts) when you are ready to serve.
Store leftover in the far back of the fridge with a thin layer of oil
over the top. It lasts nearly forever. No need to freeze.
Regina Z’s Pesto
One large bunch of basil (2 cups)
Half a bunch of parsley (1 cup)
8-10 cloves of garlic
8 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. butter or margarine
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine in food processor
Stores nicely in freezer
For more pesto recipes, visit 'Explore and Eat' http://exploreandeat.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/pesto-passion/
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Comments
Dave and Jenni,
Thank you for the recipes. Your home-grown produce looks spectacular - great job urban farmers!
Question, what kind of Parmesan and a starting quantity of cheese and pine nuts? Our basil isn't quite that far along, but it's getting there fast.
Our cilantro has my name on it, along with our first tomatoes & Jalapeños(ripening!), fresh limes (from the Costco garden), garlic dug on site and I'm heading toward a fresh salsa to remember the summer by!
Thanks again!
Mànmàn ch?, B’tayavon, Buon appetito, Kali órexi, Es gezunterheyt, Befarma’id or my favorite, Bil haná wal shifá (Have your meal with gladness and for health)!
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