This recipe is something that you can make quickly and easily using a blender. Everything you need is easy to find in your local supermarket (and the basil may be growing in your garden). This paste is great for putting on or in meat and pastas, or with cottage cheese in stuffed pasta shells. Once you start making this, the orders from friends and family will keep coming in. For best taste, pesto should be heated up in the meal it’s being prepared with.

image: sheknows.com

Simple Garlic and Basil Pesto
allrecipes.com

3 cups chopped fresh basil
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/8 cup Brazil nuts
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Place the basil in a blender. Pour in about 1 Tablespoon of the oil, and blend basil into a paste. Gradually add pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili powder, and remaining oil. Continue to blend until smooth.

Yields 12 servings.

MF&L Staff at Maine Food & Lifestyle magazine.