Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tasty Tuesdays: Summer Tastes Like Pesto


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Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!
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How was your weekend?  Mine was busy - it included breakfast with a friend from high school (who I haven't seen in 14 years...Hi Carrie!), A Keith Urban Concert with an overnight stay Downtown, and a surprise birthday party for my Dad.  It was busy and fun.
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I am re-posting this pesto recipe from last Summer because my basil is in full swing and it's definitely pesto season!  Yum.
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Pesto is such a wonderful, easy meal to make in the summer. Cooking is minimal and pesto only requires 5 ingredients!
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Pesto is so simple, you don't really even need a recipe, but just to make sure I got the measurements right I followed Mark Bittman's recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks.
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Basic Pesto - Ingredients:
- 2 loosely packed cups fresh basil leaves, big stems discarded, rinsed and dried
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 to 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts, lightly toasted in a dry skillet or in the oven on a cookie sheet
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or other hard cheese
- cooked pasta
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Basil is the star ingredient in pesto, so make sure you use the freshest basil you can find. I have lots of basil growing in pots on my deck so basil has been showing up in lots of summer meals lately.
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1. Combine the basil, salt, garlic, nuts, and about half the oil in a food processor or blender.
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2. Process, stopping to scrape down the sides of the container occasionally, and adding the rest of the oil gradually. Add additional oil if you prefer a thinner mixture.
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When finished, the pesto will look like this:
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Toss with freshly cooked pasta, top with additional nuts and grated cheese, and enjoy!
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Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for several months.
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What did you cook this week?
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{ Please add a link in your post back to Tasty Tuesdays or add the Tasty Tuesdays button which can be found on my sidebar.  Thanks! }
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23 comments:

  1. This is stunning! The pics are gorgeous and the food looks so yummy! It is always my pleasure to visit your creative space:)
    Friend, I would love to see you on my blog:)

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  2. I'd love to add my link -- but the linky is closed.

    Your pesto looks good. I have to make mine without nuts, and just tasted pesto for the first time a bout a year or so ago!! Love it.

    Thanks for hosting.

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  3. I'm joining you today Alissa. Your recipe looks scrumptious!

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  4. No kidding, just last night I was looking for a basic basil pesto recipe!! Thanks so much - and for the linky party.

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  5. Alissa, I posted about basil pesto yesterday!! (and made it last night - it was DElicious.) Great minds think alike! :)

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  6. Hi Alissa! You're right...summer DOES taste like pesto :-). I only grew one basil plant this year (usually I have 3), so our pesto production has been slow. Your recipe sounds easy and classic though...I should file it away for the next growth spurt!- Linking up for the very first time, and found that we follow many of the same people, so I thought we ought to be friends too :-)! Love your site, and look forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for hosting today.~

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  7. Ooooh! Your recipe looks so delish!
    Thanks for hosting!
    Jo-Anna

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  8. I love pesto! Your photos a re beautiful.

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  9. I love pesto. At the end of the season, I use up all my fresh basil making pesto. I then freeze it in ice cube trays. One cube is great for flavoring things all winter. It's also great with more olive oil and used as a dipping sauce for homemade artisan bread!
    Best,
    Susan

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  10. Oh man, summer DOES taste like pesto! Mine isn't in full swing yet, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. That photo is making my mouth water and it's only 7:30 in the morning. :o)

    Thanks again for hosting!

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  11. Your pesto looks delish. My basil plant cannot keep up with me so I never have enough to make pesto. Guess I should just plant more! Thanks for hosting :)
    ~Natasha
    http://savedbytheeggtimer.blogspot.com/2011/07/sweet-vinegar-peppers.html

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  12. yum! this post is making me hungry. pesto is my favorite!! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams

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  13. LOVE pesto...so many fun ways to make it!

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  14. Alissa, I love pesto and it is so good in summer pasta dishes! I love pairing it with shrimp and angel hair!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    Exciting New $150 Giveaway from Dr Perricone! Come and Enter!

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  15. yum! this looks SO good! I am going to try to make this!

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  16. Yummy! I need to try making pesto. I have a lot of fresh basil to use! Thanks for hosting this link party!! So much fun!

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  17. mmmmm that looks soo good!!!! I will definitely be making that soon :)

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  18. Walnuts and pesto just might be the perfect marriage. :)

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  19. thanks again for hosting us! i've been craving pesto and my basil plant is going crazy! i will be making some soon!

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  20. thanks for hosting us! my basil plant is going crazy so pesto is in order!!

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  21. Wow, your pictures almost make me want to cook! xx

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  22. Oooh, I love pesto! What a great recipe choice. Thanks for sharing :)

    p.s love your blog, just joined!

    xo Emily

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