It's Not Pesto, It's Pistou!

I'd gotten a beautiful bunch of basil 

from my friends, Faye & Lynn 

last week when our  produce order was picked up.

One of the more popular recipes for basil is pesto.

Pine nuts or walnuts can be used 

in creating this delectable spread.

Guess what?

I didn't have either in the house.

So, I made pistou instead!

Pistou is a French version of pesto.

It's made with basil, olive oil, garlic, 
lemon juice and Parmesan.

No nuts necessary!

Since finding out that Parmesan contains no lactose,
I've been enjoying it on a lot of different dishes.
When it's on sale, I buy the block,
then I get to use one of my favorite (and few) gadgets, 
the zester.

This luscious concoction is great tossed with pasta,

rice or smeared on bread.

It adds another layer of flavor to dishes. 

You'll be nuts about it!

The original recipe was obtained here.

Pistou

3 cups fresh basil leaves
2-3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Splash of fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil 
Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a food processor, mince garlic.

2. Add in basil and cheese and blend. 
Slowly drizzle in olive oil 
while the machine is running. 
Blend until smooth.

3. Squeeze in lemon juice 
and add salt and pepper to taste. 
 Enjoy!