A lovely couple recently gifted us with some fresh herbs:  thyme, rosemary, sage and basil.

I wanted to use the basil quickly as it doesn’t keep as well as some of the sturdier herbs.

For the rosemary, thyme and sage, I wrapped them in a slightly damp paper towel and sealed them in a plastic bag.  They should be good for a couple of weeks.  I love having fresh herbs on hand to add to my recipes.  Their flavour is much–well– fresher. They jazzed up my sauces, my focaccia, my fish, and many other dishes.

Back to the basil…I found this pesto recipe on Pinterest and thought I’d give it a try.

It could not have been simpler.  I put four cloves of garlic (go big or go home), 1/4 cup of pine nuts, and a chunk (maybe 1/4 cup?) of parmesan into the Ninja and gave it a whirl. I didn’t chop anything. I didn’t grate my parmesan.  Just threw it all in together to make a wonderfully aromatic mash. Easy peasy. I added about a tablespoon of lemon juice, a 1/2 cup of olive oil and about 3 cups of basil, then processed it some more.

It was delicious!  Fresh and zingy.  I used it almost everyday for something.  I put it in my salad dressing, I put it on chicken, and steak. I made dip and pesto mayo.  I spread it on my panini, topped my potatoes with it.  Pesto paradise!  Pesto pasta, pesto pizza…that’s next.  Making my own pesto was life changing.  Make some.

You’re welcome.