How to Destroy a Perfectly Good Basil Plant
July 28, 2010 at 9:11 am , by Foodie McBooty
You folks are in for a special treat today! You are witnessing a part of history — a huge milestone in the cooking life of Foodie McBooty: I just bought my first basil plant! Before this, I have never attempted owning an herb garden, always in fear of my cat eating more of the plant than I actually would.
(*Jaws Theme Plays* AHHHHHH!!!!)
But I couldn’t resist the sweet smell of fresh basil, and gave in.
So what’s a girl to do now that she has her own basil plant? I ripped off as many leaves as possible and made fresh basil pesto! I think I left enough plant for the little guy to survive. Heck, I know I did… right…???
(To be continued…)
Anywho! Here’s the recipe I used. Next time I’m going to try adding almonds in addition to the pine nuts and see how that the combination of nutty flavors taste:
(Adapted from the Food Network Kitchens)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine the basil and garlic in a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the pine nuts and pulse a couple more times. Add part of the olive oil and process for a few seconds. Repeat this step until all of the olive oil is used, and your ingredients are smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- If using immediately, transfer the pesto to a bowl and mix in the cheeses. If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
- Dip your crusty bread into it… add it to pasta… eat it by itself! ENJOY!
Category Recipes / Tags: Tags: Basil, Cheese, Fresh, Garlic, Herbs, Italian, Olive Oil, Parmesan, Pesto, Pine Nuts, Plant, Romano, Walnuts, /
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by Jacob
On July 28, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Once my basil grows…I will make this and enjoy it.
by Foodie McBooty
On July 29, 2010 at 7:57 am
It’s really easy and flavorful! Have fun!