The Ultimate Fresh Garden Herb Pesto

There is no culinary staple that captures the essence of summer quite like a Fresh Garden Herb Pesto. By blending herbs at their peak, you lock in the "living" enzymes and bright aromatics that define garden-to-table cooking. While basil is the classic choice, this Fresh Garden Herb Pesto encourages experimentation with tender-stemmed greens like parsley, mint, or even carrot tops. When you harvest from The Pesto Garden Kit or your Seasonal Garden Kit, you are using ingredients with a nutrient density store-bought bunches simply cannot match.

Whether you're drizzling this Fresh Garden Herb Pesto over pasta or using it as a vibrant topper for a Garden to Grill feast, the secret lies in the quality of the oil and the freshness of the leaves.

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled 
• 2 cups packed fresh basil or leafy herbs½ cup best quality olive oil
• ¼ cup nuts: pine nuts, walnuts, almonds or pistachios (toasted lightly if you like)
• 1 Tbls. fresh lemon juice or 1 pinch (⅛ tsp.) Vitamin C powder
• ½ cup *grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 

Directions:

1. With a food processor or blender running, drop the garlic in and allow ot to mince. 
2. Add the herbs, nuts, and lemon juice. Puls just enough to blend until smooth. 
3. With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. 
4. Add the cheese and whirl just until blended.
5. Season to taste with good salt and a few grinds of pepper. 
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.