Party Pesto

Every almost-5 year old wants pesto for their birthday party, right?

Did I also mention that he wants green beans (made by Nana), asparagus soup (simmered by Mama), and real blueberry ice cream (turned by Aunt Shell).

Nothing can be store bought. It has to be homemade.

Oh yea, and Kalamata olives.

It's his birthday. His wish is my command.

Party Pesto

2 cups of fresh basil leaves, washed, and hopefully from your garden
2-4 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 toasted pine nuts
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (or less) olive oil

Pulverize basil in a blender or VitaMix.

Add garlic (which can be grown in your garden--start it in the fall),
salt, pine nuts and cheese. Blend well. Add olive oil slowly while the blender is running, to form a thick paste. Done. Easy.

As a paste, this basil treat is great on bread, crackers, and chicken.

To turn the pesto into a sauce for pasta, bring a 1/2 cup of chicken broth to a boil. Add one cup of pesto slowly to the hot liquid, while continually whisking the mixture until desired thickness is achieved.

You might want to add more Parmesan to your pasta.

Enjoy!