Friday, December 17, 2010

Farfalle with Basil Pesto

There's something about pesto sauce that I really love. Maybe its bright green color, and oh, the aroma of fresh basil infused with imported extra virgin olive oil, the pine nuts, the garlic, just a little whirl in the food processor, and you have a gourmet sauce, that is quick, and delicious. A few shavings of Parmigiana Reggiano, and you have an incredible meal. All you need, is a nice fresh Italian bread, or French baguette, a salad, and you have a gourmet dish, with very little fuss! I used the recipe from the Food Network, but otherwise, I use the same one myself, not know where the original came from.
    
          Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese (see Cook's Note)

Directions

Combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
If using immediately, add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
If freezing, transfer to an air-tight container and drizzle remaining oil over the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and stir in cheese.
Adapted from Television Food Network

I decided to remove the second photo of the yummy pesto pasta, so I could include the photo of this year's Christmas tree, at my daughter's house. This year, as in every few years, they put up a live tree, but unfortunately my little 4yr old grandson is allergic to the fresh pine, so he has to take his allergy medicine, which is helping...otherwise they would have to take the tree down before Santa Claus arrives!




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28 comments:

Swathi said...

Basil pesto looks awesome. love the green color and aroma of basil in this pasta.

Prathima Rao said...

The pesto looks absolutely fresh n perfect!!! Love it...

Priya Sreeram said...

flavourful, yummy and so delicious looking--loved it !

Angie's Recipes said...

Can't go wrong with pesto! And homemade is the best.

Melynda said...

My two favorites, pesto and farfalle! Looks fresh and delicious. I also make my own, but must give your recipe a try, thanks.

Mrs K said...

Me too :) I love pesto and can never seem to get enough of it,though I never make it at home,I always buy Kirkland's from Costco :) I am motivated to make this at home now. Will let you know when I do that,meanwhile I have bookmarked this recipe :) The tree looks so pretty and festive.Wish you merry times,Elizabeth:)

Nancy and Vijay said...

It looks wonderful. I love pesto, any kind, but I never thought of freezing it. So sad that your grandson is having allergies to the Christmas tree. Hope that he feels better.

Mateja ^_^ said...

Pesto pasta- they even sound good together! But putting that perfect bite into your mouth is a real flavor explosion!!! Thank you for sharing Elisabeth ^_^

Mari said...

Beautiful tree! The paste looks delicious, I am cooking pasta now!! I trying bolognese.

Have a Merry Christmas!

My Kitchen in the Rockies said...

That is one of my favorite dishes. Unfortunately I left my basil outside to long and it got to cold for it. So, this dish will have to wait for until next spring.

Christine Wu said...

Love the bright vibrant color! It's an added bonus when delicious food looks beautiful too!

Cucina di Barbara said...

I love this pesto!
The color is so wonderful:)) I wish you a Merry Xmas!
Barbaraxx

Michael Toa said...

I, too love pesto. I like the colour and of course, the flavours. Pasta and pesto... wonderful! Enjoy your weekend.

mangocheeks said...

Your tree is dazzling.

Its been a while since i've had basil pesto. The colours here are fantastic and making me hungry.

Brenda said...

I'm craving your pasta right now. I've had so many sweets so far this holiday season that I can't bear the thought of another cookie or candy, lol. Your pasts looks scrumptious and that's what I need right now. And what a gorgeous tree!!

Lizzy said...

Oh, boy, does that look good...especially with those lovely shards of Parmesan!

PS...I also love all the homemade ornaments your grandchildren made for their tree :)

mangiabella said...

mmmm nothing like fresh pesto sweet bella, tickles the taste buds in the most glorious way! Thank you so much for your comment, I typed the wrong name in my response (i put alessandra when i said "looking forward to it" - now i need to find alessandra and tell her i forgot to include her response which was that i was doing ok but have fallen behind on the posts, including my own LOL, with some unexpected needs that came up through friends who are struggling) but am looking forward to getting to know you as well sweet bella! ...sigh...i am quite behind on my blog posts these past few weeks but it's been such a full plate between my teething babies, the usual routine, and spending some extra time with some friends who were in desperate need of encouragement. So glad you found me via Chef D, I am sure it is nothing less than PROVIDENCE :) - wishing you a beautiful holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour! God Bless you now and always...jaime

Pegasuslegend said...

I cant believe "I never thought about how festive pesto is to serve what an awesome idea! lovely tree~ its beginning to look alot like christmas :) have an awesome one

Priya said...

Very inviting and droolworthy pesto..Lovely christmas tree..

aipi said...

Love Pesto. That is such a lovely color,and I can bet on the excellent taste as well:)
Your Christmas tree is beautiful!

US Masala

Chef Dennis said...

what a gorgeous colour fresh pesto has! It not only tastes wonderful but looks so inviting. Over the years I have had many different types of pesto but the original has always been my favorite.
Thanks for sharing your daughters Christmas tree with us, I too am allergic but have not yet gotten an artificial tree, although each year it gets worse, its probably not going to be much longer until we do go that route.
Have a great Christmas, I can't believe its almost here
Dennis

Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen said...

So what's your secret for keeping your pesto so green? Mine almost always oxidizes immediately! That dish looks so warm and comforting! And Christmassy!!

ping said...

Gosh! This looks so delicious! Love basil, pine nuts, cheese, the works! Unfortunately, I can only enjoy this on my own .... hubby must have big chunks of meat! Sigh.

BakingWithoutaBox said...

Poor little guy. Allergies are tough. That's why we switched to fake trees. Love pesto!! The pine nuts and cheese look like great additions.

Bridgett said...

Homemade pesto is the only way to go. Now I am craving some! Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

Magic of Spice said...

Your pest looks so vibrant...love this dish :)
Sorry to hear about your grandsons allergies though, must be hard around the season.

Sadik Ali said...

The pesto looks so fresh and yummy. I need to make some for myself now :)
Happy holidays,
Tes
http://tesathome.com

Lauren said...

Mmmm I love basil pesto. Every year at the farmers market, I buy tons of basil, just so I can make and freeze pesto to last me through the winter. I never seem to ration it well enough though. (Ran out in the beginning of November)