Besto Boonie Pesto

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A bit of butter gives this pesto AMAZING flavor.

We don't grow much here in the Boonies (mainly because we have to pipe in the sunshine) apart from ticks, chiggers, poison ivy, and the occasional rattlesnake. But one thing I can grow is basil. And here it is the end of August, and my basil has yet to give up the ghost. This, in and of itself is a minor miracle.

So, last night, I told my dear husband, the Big Bison, that it was time to make some pesto and for him to snap a few shots. He started whining saying something about the light needed to be such and such, because he and I are reading a book about photography. Well, mostly, he's reading, and I'm looking at the pretty pictures.

So I suggested we try a shoot out on the porch, and he whiningly willingly complied. I got things set up, and then we both stood out there smacking little "no-see-ums" (annoying teeny-weenie stinging bugs that you...um...can't see) on our legs, but we got some nice shots. Well, HE got some nice shots. And "AH HAY-ELPED" (to be read with the voice of the little girl on the Shake and Bake commercial from eons ago).

But YOU want the recipe, right?

Of course right!

I originally found this recipe in The Moosewood Cookbook, which is a famous vegetarian cookbook from the late 70's. My copy is stained and split in half, but I prefer to think of it as very, very REAL. I've made a couple of alterations that I think help.

I've always called this Killer Pesto, but last night while I was on the phone with my friend Anne, she said "Besto Pesto" and snickered, and I did, too. So I'm wavering on the name. Maybe I'll take a poll in the comments, and you can weigh in on this important issue.

Assembled ingredients: they call this "mise en place", kids.

Besto Boonie Pesto

4 packed cups fresh basil leaves, washed, dried, removed from stems
3 large garlic cloves
1/2 c. toasted pine nuts (lightly brown them in a skillet on the stove top - only takes a New York minute)(you can substitute most any kind of nut you prefer, if pine nuts don't float your boat)
3/4 c. packed fresh chopped parsley (I didn't have any last night, and it turned out fine)
3/4 c. freshly grated parmesan
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. melted butter
salt to taste (maybe a 1/2 teaspoon? Taste it and see.)
several grinds of black pepper

Assemble all your ingredients, and then combine everything in a food processor (or blender). I like my pesto with a bit of "tooth" (kind of grainy), but you might like yours with a smoother texture, so process for as long as you think you should. Toss with hot, drained pasta. I like linguini with pesto.

Adding butter.

Adding oil

Whirring

Yummy.

So what do you think: Besto Pesto? Killer Pesto? Boonie Pesto? "Git In My Belly"? Or something original of your own? Please weigh in on this important issue: Name That Pesto!