1, 2, 3...Pesto!

When your basil plant goes bonkers this is the recipe for you! 

 Make a big batch and freeze what you don't need right away.

We are dealing with tons and tons of rain here in Iowa.  Like, so much rain, I can't even put into words how much it has rained lately and especially this afternoon.  Our backyard, driveway, front yard and unfortunately my garden look like a swamp.

We need some serious sunshine to help dry us out.  Lord, please send us some sunshine!

Thankfully this past Saturday {when it was actually dry and sunny} I ventured out and picked a TON of fresh basil.  With the kids napping {all three, at the same time} I made two batches of pesto.  I didn't have any immediate use out of it, so I froze both batches...but I'm sure they won't last there long.

Now I am going to tell you how I make pesto.  Is it the correct, traditional way?  Nah.  But, I have found that you can tweak pesto to whatever you have on hand.  Whatever nut is in your cupboard, or whatever herb is in your garden.  Change it up!

By the way, here is a link to my food processor, which I LOVE.  It's wonderful!

Step 1: Pulse 3 cloves of garlic in a food processor.

Step 2: Add in 1/2 c. nuts {this time I used almonds} and pulse until it resembles small, course crumbs.

Step 3: Add in 3 heaping cups of fresh basil and a good glug of extra virgin olive oil.  Pulse to combine.

Step 4: Add in freshly grated parmesan cheese and continue to stream in olive oil while combining.

Step 5: Continue blending until desired consistency.

One of my favorite uses for pesto is on grilled sandwiches.  Try slathering it on grilled cheese, toasted blt's or a marinated grilled chicken sandwich.

We also love this baked chicken dish and these flavorful basil pesto pinwheels.  Try it!

And of course, stirred into some hot cooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, then topped with more freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Yummo.

Believe it or not, in between burping the baby and breaking up fights between the 3 and 4 year old, I do have quite a few other posts lined up!  And if you haven't been doing so already, make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  I post quite a few things on there from our daily life that you won't see here on the blog!

Have a great Tuesday.