Presto Pesto

I love basil!!!! I can’t get enough of the stuff, so when basil season is over it always brings me great sadness. I never have a shortage of new and interesting ways to use basil. So instead of its short growing season stifling my creative aspirations I’ve devised an ingenious way to have it all year long. So quick and easy to make and I'm able to store it to use later. So my love affair with basil continues…

2                  large bunches of basil

2                  large cloves of garlic

1/4c             olive oil

1/4c             pinenuts (optional)

2tbs             Parmesan cheese

salt to taste

Toss everything in your food processor or blender. Blend until all the ingredients are well mixed together.

Now here’s the best part, pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. When completely frozen pop them into a storage container in the freezer and you have the taste of fresh basil year round!!! I often toss a cube or two into a pot of soup, or a sauce for meat. Perhaps into salad dressing or even stir a little into some mayo for a nice hit of flavor in my burgers or sandwiches.

Tip- You can use this trick with virtually any fresh herb in the garden; maybe even try a blend of herbs? I will sometimes toss in a few oven dried tomatoes or peppers into the mix. Maybe even roast the garlic first to bring out it’s sweetness? I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Summer flavor year round…YUM!