Homemade Pesto & Seven Links

Hey everyone!

It was pasta night at our house a few nights ago.  Instead of making the same red tomato sauce we usually do, my mom and I decided that homemade pesto would be perfect for summer.  Plus, we have tons of basil to use from our garden!  This recipe came from the Better Homes and Garden, New Cook Book.  The pesto may look a bit chunky and thick to you, but we just prefer ours this way.  If you like a runnier texture, then just add more olive oil!

Homemade Pesto Sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped pine nuts
• 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• A pinch of pepper

In a food processor, combine oil, nuts, basil, cheese, garlic, and salt.  Cover and process until nearly smooth.  Add pepper to taste.  Makes about 3/4 cup of pesto total.  The pesto can be kept frozen up to 3 months.

We enjoyed sliced Italian bread and salad on the side.

I don’t think I’ll ever go back to buying pesto sauce in a jar – this stuff is amazing and tastes incredibly fresh!

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My Seven Links

Recently, I was tagged by Alicia in the “Seven Links” Post that’s been making it’s way around the blog world.  So, here are my Seven Links!

Most Beautiful Post

4th of July Fun

Last year for my birthday, I got to spend July 3rd with my family and my actual birthday, July 4th, with a few of my closest friends.  This particular post recaps the 4th when I spent the day poolside with Troy, our friends, and their families.  We had a huge bbq that day and before we went to go watch the fireworks from the roof in downtown Saratoga, I was surprised with a birthday cake and pink candles!  Troy wasn’t able to celebrate my birthday with me this year, so it was nice to look back on last year’s fun celebration.

Most Popular Post

Blueberry-Lemon Tea Cakes

This post has been one of my most popular posts so far.  Although it is a pretty recent post, I can see why it is so popular!  This is a great summer dessert and you should probably go make it now.

Most Controversial Post

I tend to stay away from controversial posts on the blog and keep things upbeat around here!  No, that is not my puppy…but it should be!

Most Helpful Post

Easy Bean Enchiladas

I have had these enchiladas numerous times before and have loved them every single time.  I nominated this post as the most helpful because this meal is so quick and easy to prepare.  It is also an extremely versatile dish – you could substitute beef, chicken, or black beans into it and it tastes like you’ve spent hours making this delicious dish!

Surprise Success

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad & A Leaf Bug

Time and time again, this post gets searched quite a bit on the blog.  I’m not sure if it’s the delicious tomato basil pasta salad, the scrumptious desserts, or the leaf bug that visited me for breakfast that captures everyone’s attention!

Not Enough Attention

Valentine’s Day Cupcakes

I loved the Valentine’s Day cupcakes I made for Troy this past February.  I feel they deserve a second look because I’m really proud of the way I photographed them.  I think they came out beautifully!

Most Proud

First Day of Graduate School

One of the proudest moments in my life so far was starting graduate school to become a dietitian at Syracuse University.  My first year went so well and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the upcoming second year!

Now, I get to tag the following bloggers to participate in their own Seven Links!

• Lauren @ Healthy Delicious
• Suzanne @ Workout Nirvana
• Emily @ Relishments
• Byrnn @ Balancing B
• Susan @ Coffee and the Paper

Have a fabulous day!