Got Pesto *PIC*

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
This is one of those - eye ball it recipes

1) Lots of fresh basil -say 2-3 packed cups - I used to use only the leaves, but now I just cut off the woody part of the stem. The picture that I posted will make about 3-4 batches.

2) A good amount of garlic - I have used the prepared garlic but in the end prefer fresh crushed. I use at least 2-3 good heads of garlic, then smell and see if it's enough.

3)Toasted Pine Nuts - again about 1/2 - 3/4 cups just put in saute pan over medium-heat and stir until lightly toasted. I also use walnuts (not toasted) for a change and they are equally as good.

4) Grated Parmesan Cheese about 1/4 cup tightly packed - as I mentioned I leave out when freezing and add about 4-6 tablespoons per frozen package when I re-heat. Small amount of salt - cheese will take place of salt as well.

5) Place everything in the food processor and start to chop then add a good grade of olive oil until it has a nice sheen and not too oily.

6) DO NOT over process - get in and out as quickly as possible. If you process to long will start to turn brown - don't freak if it does turn a little brown - its OK just not as pretty.

Like JennsPeeps posted you can put in ice cubes trays and freeze or what I use are these little zip lock bags from craft store that are like 2"x4" - Label with date so I use oldest first and they will keep for over a year in the freezer.

Hope that helps and that I was clear enough.

JennePeeps any comments you have great posts and I like your style of what I have read thus far.

Enjoy - Sandee

 

[CoopCrazy]

Thanks everyone for the great recipes .. I planted basil this year and was wondering what to do with it all. I mainly grew it for Bruschetta but , i love pesto ...

 

[2DogsFarm]

Dragonfly:
I am showing your pic to my basil plants (3 kinds!) to encourage them.
I have pinched them back a couple times but they are still puny.
I blame the late Spring here

I do the ice-cube thing too - but I don't even bother with trays.
I just plop tablespoon-sized blobs of pesto onto a piece of foil & freeze solid then put into ziploc bags.

I've also subbed sunflower seeds for the pine-nuts/walnuts - a lot less pricy and almost as good.

Last year a friend gave me tons of lemon basil - made grest pesto for chicken or fish.

 

[JennsPeeps]

If you live near a Trader Joe's, that's a great place to get the pine nuts at a good price. Last year I made mine with walnuts because the pine nuts were too expensive at the grocery store and DBF had the car that day. Too far to walk to TJs.

I normally eyeball the recipe, too. Once you've made it a few times, you can, too.

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Another good basil is the Thai Basil - has a nice licorice taste. Man I could talk food all day.

They just opened a Trader Joe's here I'll have to compare price of pine nuts between them and Costco.

For anyone who has a Trader Joe's in your area - if you what me to explain how to make killer goat cheese for a fraction of the price of store bought - just say here and I'll type up. It is so EASY!

Trader Joe's sells the goat milk with no hormones or antibiotics - and the cheese is so sweet and wonderful - the picky eaters in my family beg me to bring whenever we see them.

Sandee

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Ooh Yum!!