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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Basil, Basil, Basil

One thing that has really taken off in our garden is our Basil! I definitely want to try to use everything in our garden. One of the best ways to use a lot of basil is to make Pesto! I love pesto and cannot believe that I made pesto from OUR garden!

Our basil is huge!

It was definitely a family effort. Miller picked all the basil for us.

Ella loved putting all the ingredients in the food processor and "pulsing" the ingredients.

I love cooking with Ella and Miller, but it is very different. Something that should take about 5 minutes stretches into 30 minutes. And something that should be relatively easy, little mess ends up looking like a bomb went off in the kitchen. My gut reaction is just to do it by myself where it will be quick, easy and little mess. But, oh how much I would be missing! Not only do I hope Ella and Miller develop a love for cooking, but I also cherish all these memories! All the messes are definitely worth it!

Here is what the kitchen looked like after making a simple pesto.

The final product. Cannot wait for all the yummy dishes to make with this!


Pesto Recipe:
2 cups basil
1/3 cup pine nuts (can use walnuts for a cheaper option)
3 minced cloves of garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Pulse the basil and nuts in the food process until finely chopped (if using walnuts and they are not chopped, pulse the nuts a few time before adding basil so the nuts are chopped small). Add garlic and pulse a few more times. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream while food processor is mixing ingredients. You will probably have to scrape down the sides a few times. After mixed well, add parmesan and pulse a few more times. Season with salt and pepper. And there you go! Delicious!!!

2 comments:

  1. I really need more ideas on ways I can use my basil. Thanks for this and if you have anymore, let me know.

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  2. so fun, we just made pesto with our basil this week too! yummy- our basil isn't as big as your but it is in a little pot so probably isn't possible. love it though. miss you kim!

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