Serves: 5
Total Calories: 242

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pinoli ( pine nuts ), sweet walnuts, or shelled almonds (pine nuts are preferable, but they are very expensive and not readily available)
2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
pinch of salt
freshly ground pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients until a paste-like consistency is achieved. If fresh basil is unattainable, use 2 cups fresh parsley, plus 2 tablespoons dried basil. The condiment can be stored by covering with olive oil and refrigerating for future use.

Pesto is best over pasta, as a sauce for shrimp, most sea food, as a base for soups, and on some meats.

Variations:
Use of different types of grated cheeses or combinations thereof: orange or lemon rind; 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream; eliminating garlic; including ricotta; adding a few anchovies.


Fun Fact: The Liberty Bell weighs 2,080 pounds and is 12 feet in circumference at the lip. It bears the following inscription: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.”

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 5
Total Calories: 242
Calories from Fat: 222

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