Homemade Recipe for Pesto

Choose from the classic basil pesto recipe using garlic, basil and parmesan cheese, or try a yummy sun dried tomato pesto.

Like the taste of cilantro? Try the cilantro pesto recipe which uses the leaves and stalks giving the pesto
that divine pungent cilantro flavor.

Put your pesto into a clean jar with a decorative lid or label and you have the perfect homemade addition to your Italian gift basket

You can use a mortar and pestle to make your recipe for pesto if you prefer, but only if you have one, a blender works just as well!

Basil pesto recipe
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Place the basil and the pine nuts in a food processor and pulse a few times.(If you are using walnuts chop them first for a better result.)

2. Add the garlic and pulse a few more times.

3. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Scrape the sides down and pulse again.

4. Add the grated cheese to the food processor and pulse again until blended.

5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Makes one cup.

#Important tip If you prefer your pesto chunky don't over blend or you'll end up with mush!

Sun dried tomato pesto
1/2 cup packed basil leaves
1/2 cup toasted whole almonds
4 garlic cloves
1 tsp lemon zest
1 generous packed cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1/4 cup grated parmigianno regianno
1 cup olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Drain the sun dried tomatoes.

2. Place them along with the basil, toasted almonds, garlic, and lemon zest into a food processor. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.

3. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Scrape the sides down and pulse again.

4. Add the grated cheese to the food processor and pulse again until blended.

5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Makes one cup.

Place your basil in a clean jar and store in the fridge, it will last for about 2 weeks.

Cilantro pesto recipe
Follow the same basic recipe as the basil pesto but replace the basil leaves with cilantro (coriander) leaves. With this recipe for pesto make sure you use the cilantro stalks too as they give a nice strong flavor.

Here's some awesome pages for you to see!

Organic Food Gift Baskets

My Favorite Gift Basket Websites

Wine Cheese Gift Baskets

Recipe for Pesto to Italian Gift Basket
Home Page of Gift Basket Ideas