Lately we’ve been trying to focus on fresh flavors for spring.  This homemade basil pesto says fresh and flavorful in every bite. I know it is so easy to buy pesto at the market – but when you have the time, and especially when you have fresh basil in your garden, this pesto only takes minutes to make the flavor will amaze you!  We love it for sandwiches such as this easy stuffed bread, or most any Panini.  It’s also great in pastas and salads.  Of course, we’ll be bringing you a few new recipes to try it in shortly!

Basil Pesto

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup pine nuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves, chopped coarse
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/3 – 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

Combine the basil and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse 3 or 4 times.  Add the garlic and cheese and pulse a few more times.

Slowly add the olive oil while the food processor is on.  Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.

Stir in a pinch of salt and ground black pepper to taste.