Fresh Basil Pesto

Basil represents protection and love, so why not whip up a batch of magical pesto? Around Lammas time, your basil plants will be in full glorious bloom. Harvest fresh leaves from your garden, add a bit of oil, and serve it over pasta, on top of a burger, or just eat it with a spoon!

Ingredients

8 Cups fresh basil, washed and packed

1 C Parmesan cheese, grated

1 C olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 C toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)

1 Tbs, lemon juice

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Put all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor or blender. Mix until all the basil leaves are finely chopped. Serve pesto ladled over pasta, or as a dip for cheese and crackers. It makes a great burger topping as well, especially if you combine it with a bit of mayonnaise for easy spreading. This recipe makes about two cups, and will last up to a week in your refrigerator—if you don’t eat it all before then!