I know I have told you all how much I love our new home and neighbors. This is just one example of just how awesome they are. I was visiting with the Master gardeners across the street one day and told her we were grilling out that evening. My father-in-law was up visiting with us and staying a few days. She asked if I have ever had pesto and told me it would be delicious on the steaks.  She went in and brought  me out a jar of pest she had made and had in the freezer.  My husband grilled up the steaks and I thawed out the pesto and made a pasta salad and something else I don’t remember right now and we sat down to supper. The pesto smelled amazing and I couldn’t wait to try it and it was not disappointing! We all loved it. I am so glad I grew my own Basil this year and set to work making up jars of my own homemade pesto!

Yes, Basil pesto is so good it deserved a border. :}

Even better is just how simple it is to make!  Ingredients needed:

• 1 small clove garlic, minced 
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted (you can also use walnuts if you prefer)
   
• 1 1/4 cups fresh basil leaves (packed) 
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened (optional) 
• 1 cup (2 ounces) parmesan cheese, grated 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Step One: add the pine nuts/walnuts and garlic into the food processor and grind them up in to small pieces.

Step Two: add the Basil leaves and process until ground up and mixed with the pine nuts and garlic

Step Three: Add the oil and mix

Step Four: Add the Cheese and butter if using and mix thoroughly

Step Five: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Pesto is amazing on pasta, with meats like steak and chicken. I just love it and hope you do too.