Family Pesto Recipe

Makes 2 1/2 to 3 cups

3 packed cups fresh basil leaves
2–3 large cloves garlic
1/2 cups walnutsPesto is traditionally made with pine nuts, but I prefer the earthier flavor of walnuts. Plus walnuts are less expensive.
1/2 cups olive oil
3/4 cups Parmesan cheeseThe foodies in my life disagree but I am perfectly happy with the green bottle of Kraft Parmesan cheese.
1/2 packed cups fresh parsley (optional)
1/4 − 1/2 tsp. salt (to taste)
Black pepper

Steps

1. Use a food processor to puree everything together. Its easiest to fit it all by starting with the Basil and olive oil, then adding everything else.

Can be stored for a few days in the fridge or almost indefinitely in a freezer (Thaw in a microwave on a low power setting).

This recipe is modified from the pesto recipe in The Enchanted Broccoli Forest.