Pesto Change-O

I plant basil around my garden to naturally control pests. Consequently, I have quite a bit of basil. So what do I do with it all? With a push of a button and the magic words, Pesto Change-O, I transform my basil into Pesto Sauce. Thank you to my dear friend Karen for sharing her recipe with me.

After picking the basil, I wash it and let it dry.

I pull off the leaves and add 4 cups into my food processor.

In a matter of seconds the basil is finely chopped.

Add:

6 Garlic cloves

1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese

6 Tablespoons of pine nuts or walnuts

Blend well

Pour in slowing while the food processor is on:

3/4 -1 Cup of olive oil depending on the consistency you desire

Salt and Pepper to taste

Blend well until a paste is formed.

Makes 2 cups.

You may use immediately or

refrigerate up to 1 week.
It also freezes well.

It doesn't look too appetizing, but it has such a wonderful taste.

Today was library day and luncheon with my children and grandchildren. I served a delicious yet simple salad, by stirring together the following:

1 Package of pasta, cooked and cooled

1 1/2 Cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half

1 Can olives, sliced

2/3 Cup pesto sauce

As I was cleaning up the dishes it dawned on my

that I forgot to take a picture of the salad to share.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words

and as you can see in this one,

there was not a single bite left.

ENJOY!

We also enjoy our pesto sauce in other foods.

• Spread lightly on sandwiches or wraps
• Stirred in Alfredo Sauce
• Stirred in Mashed Potatoes
• As an Appetizer Dip
• Spread lightly on meat and coated with bread crumbs before cooking