Balsamic Pesto

[Recipes Index] [World of Chefs]

Ingredients:

• 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preparation:

Combine the basil, cheese, pine nuts, salt, pepper and garlic in a food processor. While processing the ingredients, slowly pour the olive oil into the mixture in a thin stream. Add the balsamic vinegar, blend and serve or store in the refrigerator with a thin coat of extra virgin olive oil on top to prevent discoloration. This pesto sauce is excellent with slices of roma tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese topping a freshly baked pizza. It can also be tossed with extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on fettuccini cooked al dente.