Tag Archives: parmesan cheese

Basil Pesto

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Pizza and tagged with , , , , , ,

Basil Pesto 2

I love using pesto on pasta, pizza and sandwiches. It’s a healthy, delicious sauce with fabulous flavor. My garden is once again overflowing with this beautiful, fragrant herb so I took a little time out of my day and made a batch. I freeze it so I can enjoy it all year round. It’s so easy to do!

Basil Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts
Salt and pepper to taste

Most recipes call for a food processor, but I used my Vitamix blender. Here are directions for both.

If using a Vita Mix:

Add first 5 ingredients to Vitamix container and secure lid. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed, using tamper to mix ingredients and press into blade. Blend for 30 to 60 seconds until well blended. Add salt and pepper to your taste.

If using a food processor:

Add basil and nuts to the bowl of a food processor and pulse several times. Add garlic and parmesan and pulse several more times. Scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula. With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil and blend until well combined. Scape the sides of the bowl again and add salt and pepper to your taste.

If not using immediately, pour into airtight container. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top. Cover with plastic wrap, then secure lid. Store for up to one week in refrigerator, or freeze for up to 9 months.

Orzo with Sundried Tomatoes, Peas & Parmesan

Posted by Brenda K. Agresta in Dinner Ideas and tagged with , , ,

Orzo with sundried tomatoes and peas

Orzo with Sundried Tomatoes, Peas, & Parmesan

from Feeding My Folks.com

A great find from Pinterest, this is a fabulous warm side for chicken or pork. The parmesan gives it a buttery silkiness, and the sun dried tomatoes impart a tart, yet sweet  flavor. It’s quick and easy too!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup orzo

Dash red pepper flakes

¾ cup onion  or shallots (diced small)

1 tablespoon garlic (minced)

1 ½ cup vegetable stock

¼ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)

1 cup frozen peas

½ cup parmesan (small chunks)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat. Add red pepper flakes and heat through for about 30 seconds. Add the orzo and sauté , stirring constantly until lightly toasted; 2 minutes.

Add onion or shallots and sauté until soft, another 2 minutes or so. Add minced garlic and stir for a minute.

Add vegetable stock, adjust heat to high until it starts to bubble. Turn down to low heat, cover and cook for about 10 minutes, until liquid is gone and orzo is cooked through.

Remove from heat, fluff with fork and add sun dried tomatoes and peas, salt and pepper. Add parmesan just before serving.