We've got basil coming out the wazoo right now. The best answer for basil? Pesto!
As long as you have a food processor, you can make it in a jiffy. I like mine with lots of lemon (juice and zest). And I usually use pine nuts, but walnuts work, too.Shannan's Pesto
1 cup (or so) basil (I threw a tiny bit of parsley in mine because I had it and am not sure how else to use it)
2/3 cup grated parmasean cheese (use the "shredded" kind, if it's store-bought)
A handful of nuts
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 nice-sized clove of garlic
A glug or two of olive oil
Throw it all into the food processor, press that button while your kids cover their ears, then spread it on bread, throw it on pasta, grill it on chicken - whatever strikes your fancy!
I should be a professional basil grower because ours is out of control we have so much! I totally planned to post a recipe for pesto later this week-you beat me to it :)
ReplyDeleteand ps. my recipe has parsley in it, too.
Now I have the Sound Of Music song in my head! I'll let you in on a little secret: I don't think I've ever had pesto before! I'm sure that will change soon, now that you know:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipe! I also have a TON of basil and have been wondering what in the world to do with it. This is my first year to grow basil, and I didn't realize it would take off like it did!
ReplyDeleteHooray for food processors!
ReplyDeleteI'm coming over right now! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd please tell me where you find pine nuts if you used them. I've looked a couple of places with no luck.
I'm so happy you posted a recipe for pesto! I have a ton of basil also and have wanted to make some. I've not heard of putting lemon juice in....I think I will :) Thanks for sharing. BTW, have you heard of making the pesto and freezing it in ice cube trays, then storing it in a freezer bag? I'd like to do that.
ReplyDeleteOh, I saw pine nuts at Walmart this weekend, but they only had the small (read, tiny) 1/2 cup bag. If you're looking for a larger (as in huge) Sam's has a gigantic bag.
Yum!! Now I am STARVING!!!!
ReplyDeleteElise
Was this post supposed to be sung to the tune of "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" from The Sound of Music? Just wondering...(you know everything makes me think of a song.)
ReplyDeleteMMMMMM Yumm! Pesto is one of my summer favorites. You may have inspired dinner for tonight. thanks
ReplyDeletei have plans for mine in my canned spaghetti sauce, but i'm hoping it will last that long in the garden...it's looking monstrous right now!
ReplyDeletemmmm. you can never have enough basil!!! lookin' good.
ReplyDelete