Basil and Pine Nut Pesto

Baisl_pesto.jpeg

4 cups fresh basil
1/2 cup raw pine nuts
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1 teaspoon chili flakes
2 teaspoons raw honey  (omit honey for a low carb pesto)
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste.

Here is the process!
Gather all of your ingredients to ensure that you do not forget one of the delicious ingredients. Oh by the way, I forgot to put a fresh lemon into this picture. See, even I forget :)
Remove the basil leaves from the large stems of the plant.Next, add all of the ingredients to your food processor, except for the olive oil, use the pulse button until everything is combined nicely. Turn the food processor back on and slowly incorporate the olive oil, season with sea salt and pepper.
 
Cook Outside the Box
Toss pasta with this fresh basil pesto and make a pasta salad
Add this pesto to your next grill cheese sandwiches or burgers
Make warm goat cheese and basil pesto toasts and eat them for breakfast or serve them as an appetizer
Toss warm new potatoes in the basil pesto and add some chopped onion

Bon Appétit!