Fresh Summer Basil Mint Pesto

There are few things in live that compare to truly FRESH Pesto.  Even fewer things that the lion's share of ingredients can come from just 99 cents worth of seeds.

Basil is about the easiest thing for a home gardener to grow.  I can even keep a pot growing in the winter in my windowsill garden.  But in the summer I have several tiny batches of Basil growing.  they fit great around the edges of a container growing tomatoes (stay tuned, I'll share that soon).


Keep scrolling down for this easy to follow recipe...

The mint I tossed in to add a little extra zing.

Mint is also in my garden.  I started last year with a single pot of chocolate mint (doesn't that name just sing???).  Well my pot lasted through several gallons of sweet tea but did not survive the winter... Except it did.

Mint is a weed.  A great weed, but really there is no killing the stuff.  Come spring time the area where I grew my pot of mint last year suddenly has a natural patch of mint growing in between the decorative paving stones.  There is less than an inch of soil between rock and stone.  But, sure enough... plenty of Mint!

A Farmer's work is never done.

OK... Here's what I did...

Fresh Summer Basil Mint Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, packed
• 1/4 Cup Fresh Mint leaves, loosely packed
• 1/4 Cup Pine Nuts
• 4 cloves Garlic, Rustic chop
• 2/3 Cup Extra Virgin olive Oil
• Large Pinch Salt
• Several turns of a Pepper Grinder
• 1/2 Cup Fresh grated Parmesan Cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Combine the basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts in a blender and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add 1/2 cup of the oil and process until fully incorporated and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add all the remaining oil and pulse until smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese.
3. Store in the refrigerator in air tight jars or bags. Use fresh within a week
4. Serve in dozens of ways (makes a great pesto pizza) and ENJOY!

Come back tomorrow and I will tell you all about this home made Basil Margherita Pizza.. Loaded with garlic, cheese and fresh deliciousness!!!

I am including this in a new listing of small batch canning ideas.  Fresh things that you can make in small quantities that will store for awhile and still stay fresh.  Pesto can be frozen, but there is nothing like fresh.. So make enough to make two or three dishes.  Makes the effort MORE than worth it!  Just use it up in a week (or freeze).

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my very favorite Growing list of  "52 Small Batch Canning Ideas"!!!

I love Canning! Love the idea of it, Love having my own Jellies, Pickled produce, Sauces, Chutneys... All those pint, half pint, 4 Ounce jars,,, Even big quart jars of Spaghetti Sauce Lined up in my basement storage shelves.  Small batch means I can usually finish a project in no more than an hour of hands on work and usually less.  Easy DIY Projects that last a month or more... Great ideas for first time canners!

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