Click for Cookbook LOGIN
"Plain fresh bread, its crust shatteringly crisp. Sweet cold butter. There is magic in the way they come together in your mouth to make a single perfect bite."--Ruth Reichl

Classic Pesto Recipe

  Tried it? Rate this Recipe:
 

 

This recipe for Classic Pesto is from The Secret Ingredient is LOVE, one of the cookbooks created at FamilyCookbookProject.com. We'll help you start your own personal cookbook! It's easy and fun. Click here to start your own cookbook!
Category:
Category:
Ingredients:  
Ingredients:  
3 cloves garlic
2 cups fresh basil leaves
¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
Directions:
In a blender or food processor combine the garlic , basil leaves, nuts, salt, pepper, and half the oil. Puree, slowing adding the remaining oil. Transfer the mixtures to a bowl and add the grated cheese, mixing thoroughly.
Use immediately, or cover with plastic wrap as basil pesto turns brown if exposed to air. If you are going to serve this pesto over pasta, you may need to add a few tablespoons of cooking water to the pesto to make it the right consistency for the pasta. If you are going to freeze it for later use, do not add the cheese--add cheese just before serving.

Kayleen prefers the pesto without cheese. Also very good! If made this way you may add the cheese as a topping just before serving.

One batch is plenty for one pound of pasta. It's also delicious in cold pasta salads, as a marinade for chicken, added to cooked vegetables, and as a dip for bread.
Number Of Servings:
Number Of Servings:
makes approximately 1 1/2 cups, enough for a pound of pasta
Preparation Time:
Preparation Time:
10 min.
Personal Notes:
Personal Notes:
I got this recipe from one of my dearest friends, Patty Forken, who is a fabulous cook. This is my favorite way to use the basil I grow in the garden. I am able to freeze enough for the whole winter! Add crushed red pepper if you like some heat!

 

 

 

Learn more about the process to create a cookbook -- or
Start your own personal family cookbook right now!  Here's to good eating!

Search for more great recipes here from over 1,500,000 in our family cookbooks!

 

 

 

71W  

Cookbooks are great for Holiday Gifts, Wedding Gifts, Bridal Shower ideas and Family Reunions!

*Recipes and photos entered into the Family Cookbook Project are provided by the submitting contributors. All rights are retained by the contributor. Please contact us if you believe copyright violations have occurred.

Search for more great recipes here from over 1,500,000 in our family cookbooks!