Pesto Sauce...

Story:  Where did I fall in love with Pesto sauce?  That would have to be in California.  My grandparents used to take my sister and I out to California to visit our great Aunt and cousins, and we would eat some great food.  Great sites and great food...San Fransisco comes to mind.  I was definitely too young to appreciate The Stinkin' Rose, but whenever we make our way back to San Fran, we will LIVE at that restaurant!  I think on one trip out the Cali, I ordered Pesto something or other for every meal.  Maybe not 'every' meal, but A LOT of meals!  Funny the smells that make me remember those summer trips - Herbal Essence shampoo, Pest sauce, Apple body lotion....


Recipe:

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
• 2 cups firmly-packed basil leaves
• 60g parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Dash of cream (optional)
• 
  
• Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Cook for 3 minutes. Process pine nuts, garlic and sea salt in a food processor until well combined.  Add basil and remaining oil. Process to form a coarse paste. Season with pepper. Stir in parmesan and process again.

I flattened out some chicken breasts for this Pesto recipe.  Stuffed it with bocconcini cheese, slathered some pesto sauce and rolled it up.  Baked it for about 25 minutes.  

Sides:

Garlic bread

Fresh pasta

- MLM