Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I know... I'll move this to the recipe thread in a day or two...

So who is into making their own Pesto? I just made about two lbs.

Here is how I make it.

1 -Gallon of washed basil leaves

1 -cup olive oil

1 -large bulb of pressed garlic (6 cloves)

1 -cup of fresh finely grated parmesan cheese

1 -heaping teaspoon salt

The ingredients should all be put in a blender and pureed together (except the cheese) Then the cheese is stired in by spoon.

Serving Suggestions
Use as a pizza base directly on the crust

Eat as a side with any meal

And my favorites...

Serve on fresh baked bread (toasted)

Take a wheat Triscut put a scoop of whipped cream cheese then a scoop of pesto on top... yummy!

Here is a question I have....

My basil is doing exceptionally well this year. Has anyone ever frozen or canned or otherwise preserved pesto?

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I'm glad to see this. I like pesto, but never knew what was in it. I always thought it had crushed olives in it, and I don't really like olives, so I couldn't figure out why I liked pesto so much!:crazy

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Frozen should work well.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Oh some recipes DO have olives in it. Another common ingredient is pine nuts.

I have tried several variations but the one I put on the first post is the best (IMHO) and it is quick, simple, and easy. The one BIG requirement is to have LOTS of Basil leaves.

BTW I failed to say the ingredients should all be pureed together (except the cheese) Then the cheese is stired in by spoon.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Great. A friend of mine suggested putting it in ice cube trays to freeze it, then put them together in a bag, so you can get the amount you desire to use. I thought that sounded like a great idea too.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Hmmmmm. I like basil, but wouldn't that much be a bit strong and overpower anything you put it on?

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Most people would stop at a tablespoon full on a crust of bread... I could easily eat a cup full!

It's hard to describe...

It's like espresso, or fire roasted Habenero peppers, or passion in marriage...

strong can be good.

Guess I better stop... :)

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Passion in marriage?!?!?! Man! No wonder you have so many kids!! It was the pesto what made ya do it!!! :ursofunny I gotta get me some of that pesto stuff!!!!:D

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Next time use Pine nuts too

how about pesto on garlic bread? I like to use Pesto as a replacement for marinara

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

You do not have pine nuts in your recipe.
Traditionally it also has pine nuts in it.

and now I see someone has already mentioned it.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Basil is a wonderful herb. It goes great with EVERYTHING.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I agree, but don't you think it has a tendency to dominate if you use too much of it? I can't imagine making a paste out of it.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Basil is a magic herb. I hear it has power with angels :ursofunny

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

OK here is my PINE NUTS story...

I used to LOVE them and was soo thrilled to get them in a large bag at Sam's Club.

I ate waaaay to many that night and got very sick on them!

My stomache literally turns when I get a whiff of them now... it is hard to describe... even just writing this and thinking about them I get nauseated. It wierd , but true.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I ate a half cup tonight. That is probably about a pint of Basil leaves before processing. :)

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I would be willing to at least taste it, but no promises. I can only imagine what that stuff does for your breath.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Now see I happen to believe that BASIL is what gets us into heaven. You either eat more of it you are lost.

I love the stuff and can not have to much. Unlike rosemary which I can only take in small doses. I love basil. I love it

did I tell you I really love BASIL.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Then keep some lemons near by and suck on one afterwards to clear your palate

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Amen!!


:shockamoo:shockamoo:shockamoo

:amen

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Here is a link to tell you WHY basil is so good for you!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Ben...asil&id=175090

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I am making Basil Pesto again. YUMMIE!

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I will be moving this to the recipe thread soon.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I know this isn't a pesto thing... but reading the ingredients and then seeing you mention olives brought on a craving.

MAN... I wish I had myself a good ole N'awlins Central Grocery Muffaletta.

Oh man... that sure would hit the spot about now.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Oh, hush.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Every time I see this thread I think, "and what other type of pesto is there?" I know a lot of people now call a lot of things pesto, BUT being the traditionalist I am the only way to make pesto is with BASIL.

=)

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

I bought some once for our bible study group and put it on crackers too.

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Yeah I was gonna say something...

BTW...no pine nuts????

Pesto without basil is olive oil with salt, garlic and cheese lol

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

We love Pesto here. I make several different types. Our favorite is Basil Pesto. My recipe is very similar to Bro. Hoover's, however I use pine nuts in mine. I also like to use toasted almonds in the place of the pine nuts, and a little Romano cheese with the Parmesan cheese.


Basil Pesto
2 cups of firmly packed basil leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or toasted almonds
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or 1/4 Parmesan and 1/4 Romano
1 clove of garlic

In a blender, process basil, garlic,the nuts, cheese and 1/4 of the olive oil until smooth. Add additional oil in small amounts, if necessary to make a smooth paste.

We like this one on Bruschetta. It's also good on top of grilled chicken.



We also like Spinach Pesto. When I make the Spinach Pesto, I like to use toasted walnuts in it.

Spinach Pesto w/ Lemon

4 cups fresh Spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 clove of garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel
salt and pepper (optional)

Blend spinach, cheese, walnuts and garlic in food processor until coarsely chopped. Add lemon peel and gradually add olive oil in a steady stream until smooth.

I like to serve this one with pasta and cherry tomatoes.

Sinatra

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

Thanx Sinatra!

Re: Basil Pesto: who makes it?
 

My wife likes the pine nuts, I don't. usually she wins. I don't hate pine nuts just not their biggest fan.