Homemade Pesto

I always have a dish of this in my fridge. I love the stuff. It is a vibrant green and just oozes goodness! There are vaious fresh varieties available now in tubs in the chilled cabinets in supermarkets which are good but this is so quick and easy to make.

1 large handful fresh basil (stalks and all)
1 garlic clove (optional)
4 tablespoons olive oil (cold pressed if poss)
75g pine nuts
 

Put all the above ingredients into a small food processor. - I have a braun multiquick. It also purees the soups in the pan so avoids all that extra washing up that you have to do if you transfer to a liquidiser and it has a whisk for egg whites etc. A great piece of kit in my opinion! They are about £25 but a great investment and time saver. I think is is pretty impossible to make the pesto unless you have one. Put it on your Xmas list!

This pesto can of couse be stirred into mashed potato or served with pasta too. Spread on top of salmon an bake in the oven, delicious, see here!