"Shelli's" Yummy Pesto

"Shelli's" Yummy Pesto

Well, a few of you have asked for "my" pesto recipe... but, unfortunately, I can't take full credit for this one, not at all. My sweet friend, Lisa Johnson, deserves all the glory for this fantastic blend of basil and lip-smacking, mouth-ahhing pleasure.

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup parmesan cheese (I use the bagged, grated/ shredded kind)
1/2- 3/4 cup olive oil (I stick closer to 1/2)
1-2 cloves of garlic (Uh, make that at least 5 or 6 for me!)
2 T pine nuts or walnuts (I use 2-3T of BOTH!)
salt to taste

Process till smooth. Spread on bread, use for pizza sauce, or, my favorite (straight from Germany!!), stir into a pot of (whole wheat) spaghetti, mixed with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella chunks, along with the juice of one lemon (include the lemon chopped into tiny pieces for some real zing!) and several fresh chopped basil leaves. MmmmMmmm, good!

Variations:
1. Add sun-dried tomatoes, plus one small fresh one, for a nice red pesto.
2. Add onions for some extra spice... or hot peppers!
3. Experiment, experiment, experiment... and share your great ideas with this crazy pesto freak!!!!!