Pesto, Pesto and More Pesto

I've been making classic Pesto - basil, garlic, olive oil and good Parmeggiano cheese - for a bazillion years and never thought to vary it. There is always a batch in my fridge to make mundane meals special. Add it to eggs for an awesome frittata, scramble or omelet. Add it to pasta for last minute dinners. Toss it in a salad...the list of things to do with it are endless.

But recently I was reviewing a Grilled Pizza cookbook and found one with a recipe for Basil Pecan Pesto that wasn't only delicious on pizzas. The nuts give it an earthier flavor than traditional basil pesto but it was great spread on wraps with loads of grilled (or raw) veggies.

And this week's Presto Pasta Night Roundup has seven...that is correct...7 very different, very awesome pestos to choose from. I felt they needed a special post all their own. And, ridiculous as it seems, the lightbulb just went off in my brain and I realized that "pesto" really just means "paste". How's that for not seeing the forest for the traditional pesto trees.

Jamie Oliver makes his with a mortar and pestle. I'm lazy and make mine in a food processor. Either way...delicious!

Here is the tip of the pesto iceberg...

Mansi of Fun & Food - Almond Pesto and a link to her cilantro walnut pesto

Ivy of Kopiaste - Mint & Parsley Pesto

Sharona May of Bird Food - Basil & Pistachio Pesto

Katie B of Other People's Food - Spinach & Almond Pesto

Avra of I've Got Food on my Brain has two! - Sundried Tomato with Sunflower Seeds, and Cilantro with Sesame & Lime

Just google "pesto recipes" and you come up with a zillion options. This place sounds fun. If you still aren't tempted to make your own...there are lots of excellent ones you can find in many grocery stores. Here's a link (never tried theirs, but they do have some delicious sounding recipes I'll be trying myself).

And don't forget that next week's Presto Pasta Night host will be...

Hillary of Chew on That. Please send your entries directly to her at ... chewonthat AT gmail DOT com