Pesto

Pesto is everything good and fresh in life, packed into a delicious sauce to use at your leisure. I have altered the recipe for a more budget-friendly chef. Instead of using pine nuts (if you can use them, do! They may be pricey, but they are super delicious) Here's the simple, but super delicious recipe for it.

Pesto

kosher salt 
pepper
1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves  $3.37
2 tablespoons almonds or walnuts  $.04
1 clove garlic  $.06
1/4 cup olive oil  $.28

In a saucepan, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil. add 2 tablespoons salt. Add the basil leaves and boil for 30 seconds. Drain basil and place under cold water to cool. Squeeze the leaves to remove excess water and place in a food processor or blender. (Blanching the leaves helps them keep their bright green color). Add the nuts and garlic and process until finely chopped. (If using blender, you will have to prechop the nuts and garlic to fine pieces, depending on how sharp the blades on your blender are). Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. With the machine running, drizzle in the oil and have it mix into a fine paste. If not using within 2 hours, press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the pesto.

tips: trying eating on pasta, mixing with your red sauce and put it as sauce on pizza, mix with a white sauce and create pesto lasagna. Be creative and have fun. Seriously, you'll want to eat pesto with everything!

Total Estimated Cost: $3.95
Servings: 1 recipe (up to 6 portions)
Cost Per Serving: $.66

Try comparing that to store bought pesto. Yours is fresh and cheaper. The average cost I've seen is anywhere from $5 to $6 for one little container.