Fresh From the Farmer’s Market Pesto

Yesterday was the first Sunday that I’d been home in quite a while and so I nearly forgot that there was a farmer’s market going on not too far from my house. Thankfully, I remembered before it was over and I rounded up Steve and off we went to see what we could find.  Once we got there, I saw that almost all of the vendors had big beautiful bunches of basil and they were only $1.00….yes that’s right, just $1.00!  I picked up a couple bunches thinking it would be great to make some homemade pesto.  I was also able to find some great looking heads of garlic, also great for pesto.

After I got home, I set to work making the pesto.  If you’ve never made pesto before, it’s really easy, the food processor or blender does all of the work for you.  You throw everything in except for the olive oil and once the ingredients are finely chopped, you start streaming in the olive oil.  How easy is that?  And it tastes SO fresh and delicious!

So why don’t you head over to your local farmer’s market, pick up some fresh basil and make your own pesto?  Tomorrow’s post will be one of my family’s favorite meals that makes use of that fabulous pesto, so make sure you stop back!

Basil Pesto

• 2 large bunches fresh basil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup olive oil

In a small skillet, toast pine nuts over medium low heat until golden brown.  Pay close attention, because they can burn quickly.  Allow to cool slightly.

Remove basil leaves from stems.  Place basil and all remaining ingredients, except olive oil in a food processor or blender.

Process until ingredients are finely chopped.

Then, while processor or blender is running, slowly stream olive oil in until it’s well incorporated.

Taste the pesto and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.  Refrigerate in a tightly closed container.

ENJOY!

Shared at these great blogs:

Mandy’s Recipe Box

Gooseberry Patch

The Country Cook

Everyday Mom’s Meals