Green Bean and Red Onion Salad with Pistou

Yes, this is a recipe using Pistou, the French twin of Italian Pesto! Pistou’s ingredients are fresh basil, garlic, olive oil and a dash of salt – pine nut free! It is now apparently common to see it made with Parmesan or other cheeses. The word pistou is derived from the latin pestare which means … Continue reading

Creamy Pesto Shrimp

So many favorite ingredients in this recipe; shrimps, pesto, pasta, garlic, tomatoes in a creamy sauce. This dish is bursting with flavor and really shines with homemade pesto. Not low-cal but it cooks quick and is just simply delicious!

Caramelized Onion Pesto Tortillas On The Grill

I love to make these tortilla or flatbread pizzas on my grill using pizza stones. Recently I made these crispy tortillas with golden caramelized onions, pesto and more cheese. I love all kinds of flatbread but for these quick appetizers (or a light lunch) thin tortillas are the way to go. So easy – just … Continue reading

Pesto Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

It’s that time of the year when my sweet basil needs to be harvested for none other than Pesto and Basil Vinaigrette. For over a month I have been pinching my basil plants so they will become bushier and produce more leaves. I don’t want them to flower because I want all of the plants … Continue reading

Mafaldine Pasta With Potatoes, Green Beans and Pesto

Does this recipe say summer, or what! This is a favorite Italian pasta dish loved by many and Marcella Hazan said no single dish is more delicious in the entire Italian pasta repertory. I certainly can see why and you will too if you make it. This recipe uses a method of preparing pasta with … Continue reading

Shamrock Pesto Puff Pastry

Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Do you like puff pastry and pesto? Then you will love this shamrock appetizer. A cute idea inspired by The Food Network Magazine.

Zucchini, Tomatoes, Pesto and Queso Blanco Cheese

This is the time of the year when there is an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs in my garden and the markets. When I first saw this recipe I was immediately drawn in at the word “pesto”.  A flavorful ingredient to perk up a side dish like this. What a perfect way to use … Continue reading

Cooking Tidbits – Keeping Pesto Green

Since it is “pesto season”, at least here in Michigan I thought I would share some ways to keep your basil green or to preserve it for later use. This is by far one of my favorite herbs and every year I make a bunch for different recipes and then as the season is winding … Continue reading