Fresh Pesto

Seems like nobody posts on here anymore! What's the deal? Has Pinterest gotten the best of us and is now fulfilling all of our needs for new recipes?!?! I hope not!

 I love THIS site because I trust the people that post recipes here and I know that anything on here is DELISH so KEEP ON POSTING!!!!!

Basil/Pesto screams SUMMER to me!!! I just love it! I don't remember who I got this recipe from so I can't give anyone credit.

 :(

FRESH PESTO:

1/2 c. fresh spinach

1 c. firmly packed basil (wash and pat each leaf completely dry)

1/2 c. grated Parmesan/Romano cheese

1/4 c. toasted pine nuts

3 large garlic cloves

1/4 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor, then add Olive Oil till desired consistency.

You can add more cheese or garlic for "cheese" or "garlic" pesto.

Can freeze 1/2 for another meal later.

Use some for THIS recipe!

Open-Face-Pesto-Turkey Burger

We tried this recipe for our first BBQ of the season! I'm a lover of pesto/tomato/mozzarella combos... It did not disappoint!

1 lb. uncooked ground chicken or turkey (we used turkey)

4 TBSP. basil pesto

1/4 c. finely shredded parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp kosher salt, or salt

2- 3 inch slices of ciabatta bread (or you can use rustic italian bread)

2 TBSP olive oil

4 slices fresh mozzarella

2 c. fresh basil leaves, arugula, or spring mix (I did a few basil leaves and the rest spring mix)

8 small tomatoe slices

ground black pepper

In a bowl, combine turkey, 1/2 the pesto, the parmesan cheese, garlic and salt. Shape in four 1/2- inch-thick oval patties (to fit bread).

Horizontally halve ciabatta. Brush cut sides of breat with olive oil, set aside.

Preheat grill to MED heat, place patties on grill rack over heat and cook 10-13 min until meat is no longer pink, turning once 1/2 way through grilling.

Top each patty w/ mozzarella cheese. Cover and grill 1-2 more min till cheese is melted.

Also add bread to top grill rack at this time 1-2 minutes till toasted.

Arrange basil (or greens) on toasted bread. Top w/ turkey patties, tomato slices and remaining pesto. Sprinkle coarsely ground black pepper.

We drizzled a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar on as well and it was yummy!

*Makes 4 servings