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I love the simple things in life. Like this Simple Homemade Basil Pesto for instance.

There are so few ingredients in this Basil Pesto that you likely already have everything on hand.

Don’t you just love it when you already have all the ingredients to make something yummy and fresh? I mean, sometimes I don’t want to get out of my pajamas on Sundays. Er, I mean, sometimes I don’t want to have to go to the grocery store on Sundays.

Don’t judge me.

Anyway, what I am trying to get at is, this Simple Homemade Basil Pesto is perfect for one of those days when you want something fresh and delicious that is so quick and easy to whip up, it really takes no time at all. It’s a wonder I don’t make it more often.

It pairs well with pasta, bread (hello panini’s!), pizza, chicken, shrimp, veggies, eggs…well, pretty much everything. Hmm, I must be hungry…

I recently bought a basil plant, which I have somehow managed to keep alive. This is somewhat of a miracle considering I have been known to kill even the most easy plants to keep alive (looking at you, succulents!). We will see how long this lasts, but in the meantime I am going to get the most out of my basil plant.

We’ve been having some really amazing weather here in Arizona and my basil plant is loving it. And I am loving it because I get to make this fresh, simple and delicious Basil Pesto. I also love that I get to put my booties away and dig out my flip flops! Whoo Hoo!

Seriously though.  If you have never been to Arizona this time of year, get your butts out here because you are seriously missing out. Just stay far away during the summer months…far, far away!

Anyway, get yourself a little basil plant and give this Simple Homemade Basil Pesto a try. I mixed it in some homemade Alfredo sauce and made a creamy pesto pasta with chicken and artichokes (recipe to come later). Yum Yum Yum!

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Simple Homemade Basil Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (chopped walnuts can also be used)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves , roughly chopped
• 1/2 Olive Oil
• 1 tsp . salt
• 1/2 tsp . pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes , optional

Instructions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse together.
2. Slowly stream in olive oil while pulsing together.
3. Add more olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Keep refrigerated in an air tight container until ready to use. Remaining pesto can be frozen for later use.