Recipes

Pesto & Pesto Dip

The Pesto Dip is off the charts fantastic. It’s great on all crackers. I substitute it for butter and/or sour cream on countless other dishes. This is a heart health substitute you will prefer over everything you’ve used in the past. I now make it 4-times a summer and last in the fall or 5-batches. You won’t want to run out! I place 1 cup of Pesto Dip in a plastic sandwich bag, then slip those in a 1-gallon bag, then into the freezer. The Basil & Herb garden can accommodate 4 basil plants, 2-per section. I have 2-Basil & Herb gardens with 8 plants, just enough. You will want to make as much as you can because it also make a great gift for a party, birthday, or holiday!

Put ingredients below into your food processor in the order listed below. Don’t overdue the processing. I do it in 2-stages. Add the nuts last, then quick short pulses. I like to be able to taste and feel the texture of the nuts.

1. Basil:4-cups fresh basil leaves (no stems). Rinse and pat dry before using.
2. Parmesan Cheese:1-cup fresh parmesan cheese, adds a great flavor with a little saltiness that helps the pesto stick together.
3. Garlic:4 cloves of garlic/For Pesto Dip use 10 cloves. Chop finely.
4. Lemon Juice:2-teaspoon of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and really helps the other flavors shine. Many recipes don’t call for it, but I highly recommend it.
5. Olive Oil:1-cup extra virgin olive oil is the main liquid and helps create a creamy, rich consistency.
6. Salt & Pepper:Add both to taste.

Stop food processor and add roasted nuts, check between pulses for desired texture, feel and taste. This is the time to make adjustments.

7. Pine Nuts: ¼ cup. Pan roasted, medium heat, 7-10 minutes, stir intermittently.
8. Almonds: ½ cup. Pan roasted, medium heat, 7-10 minutes, stir intermittently.

Walnuts are a popular choice for many, and the taste ultimately depends on your family's preferences. I genuinely hope your family finds as much joy in the Pesto Dip as mine does!

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Caprese salad
Ingredients:

1. Basil: Use ½ to 1 cup per person, featuring fresh basil leaves without stems. Remember to rinse and pat dry before use.
2. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, which serves as the primary liquid and imparts a rich salad dressing consistency.
3. Balsamic Vinegar: I personally recommend Mengazzoli Condimela Aceto Balsamico di Mela for its fantastic flavor, though it can be challenging to find. Fortunately, there are numerous excellent balsamic vinegars available in specialty and regular grocery stores.
4. Lemon Juice: Enhance the overall freshness with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, bringing out the best in other flavors. While not always included in recipes, I highly recommend it.
5. Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella contributes a delightful cheesy flavor to the mix.
6. Salt & Pepper: Season according to your taste preferences. Toss the ingredients well!

Feel free to customize your salad with additional ingredients like avocado, onions, cucumber, green, red, and yellow peppers, radishes, or any other favorites you enjoy!