Perfect Pesto

Ready for pesto: Paul James, host of Gardening by the Yard

Native to the Mediterranean, basil is one of several easy-to-grow classic herbs. A great use for basil is pesto, a pureed mixture of basil and garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.

To prepare, combine 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh garlic, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, about 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Put the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and pulse to chop. With the machine running, slowly add 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil, and process until creamy and smooth.

If desired, you may substitute flat-leaf Italian parsley for half the basil or chopped walnuts for pine nuts. If you like a really creamy pesto, add soft goat cheese to the finished product, and mix well with a fork.

"The simplest and most classic way to serve pesto is to toss it gently with hot spaghetti," says master gardener Paul James. "I like to add a few extra pine nuts and some fresh basil leaves for garnish."

Also in this Episode

Gardening by the Yard : Episode GBY-308
•	Garden Ornaments
•	Sculptures and Fountains
•	Tillers and Tilling
•	Water Conservation
•	Perfect Pesto