Basil pesto is one of my favorite things to make and to eat.  Fresh basil makes my kitchen smell like heaven and when you add the scent of toasted pine nuts, and garlic it’s an irresistible combination.  Pesto is such an easy thing to make and freezes beautifully so you can have a little taste of summer all year long.   I freeze mine in jars, but you can also use ice cube trays for smaller portions.  Pesto is the best over hot pasta, but can be used so many different ways.  It’s great drizzled on pizza, bruschetta with feta cheese, capresé salad, added to soup…the possibilities are endless!   If you don’t grow your own basil, pick up a couple of bunches at the farmer’s market and make some homemade basil pesto!  I promise you’ll be glad you did!

Recipe

To make Basil Pesto Pasta:  cook your pasta according to package directions, saving a bit of the pasta water.  Toss the pasta with pesto sauce (start out with a little and add more as desired) and add pasta water if it seems dry.  Top with more toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.  I had a beautiful German Johnson tomato that I added at the end and it was so delicious!  You can also add more roughly torn fresh basil and squeeze a little more lemon juice at the end. 

Pesto Pasta is summer in a bowl and it’s one of my family’s favorite meals!  I was a little sad last night to eat it by myself, but I have some in the freezer and you can be sure that the next time everyone is here, I’ll pull it out and we’ll have a feast!  I would love to know the foods that mean summer to you!  Let me know in the comment box below and be sure to follow me on Instagram @crazyblondelifeblog!  Happy Saturday!