Sweet Basil Pesto from the Potager

I've said it often enough......if it weren't for zinnias, sunflowers, and basil in the dead of summer, I'd go crazy. I kind of go crazy anyway, but that's because of the heat and humidity. Here it is almost August, and my oldest son has been asking me and asking me When are you going to make pesto?! Well, finally the slow-poke basil, stymied by the hail and flood, is now performing in sufficient quantities to make a LARGE batch of pesto........which is the only size that works around here.

So let's pick some sweet basil.......

Ignore the other types, just cut the sweet basil........

Yes, this tiny pot of boxwood basil is cute, but save it for a garnish.......even though it tastes just like the sweet stuff

okay......you can bring it in to keep you company, just because it's soooo cute

the big one is nice too in its mossy Guy Wolfe pot

Wash the pretty basil.........the smell of summer then gather your ingredients: Basil, of course, Walnuts (because I had them, and I didn't have any pine nuts which are more expensive, anyway.....) Garlic (lots), Parmesan (and Romano if you have it, which I didn't), salt

oh........I forgot.......toast the walnuts

they smell pretty dern good too

put your pasta water on to boil.......I like penne pasta with my pesto (alliteration too, it appears...) this SmartTaste brand is great because it has a TON of fiber in each serving.........then just put as much as you want of each ingredient in the food processor......and give it a whir