If you planted basil last spring, you’ve probably been using the fresh leaves all along, to add a little zest to salad, tomato dishes, and pasta. Since the plant is an annual, however, it will only be with you until first frost — so now is the time to preserve those flavorful leaves by making and freezing pesto.

Pesto is a zesty, fragrant sauce made of basil leaves, grated Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper. It can be served over pasta, added to soups, or used as a spread in sandwiches. You’ll never find two recipes that call for the exact same proportions of the ingredients, so experiment until you find the right flavor for you. Continue reading →