Pesto Sauce

Pesto Sauce  

                                                    

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves                   ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, peeled                                   ½ cup olive oil

¼ tsp kosher salt                                          ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)

Directions:

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, garlic, sunflower seeds (if using) and cheese. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt.

Ideas for dinners using Pesto Sauce:

Pesto Pizza: Use pita bread or homemade pizza crust. Top with pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken, broccoli, olives, etc. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Pesto Pasta: Add chicken, mushrooms, etc. Put on a bed of noodles.

Notes: Most pesto sauces use pine nuts. You can use those in place of the sunflower seeds. We don't use them because my little boy has a nut allergy. Also, parmesan is a "try it" food. So you may or may not be able to tolerate this. You may be able to try subbing mozzarella, though I haven't yet tried that.