Truly Italian Pesto

Pesto is a Italian basil based pasta sauce that originated from northern Italy. I've purchased pesto at the grocery store many times and tried many different brands. Until  I made my own add loved the truly homemade taste.This recipe is very close to what pesto tastes like in Italy, and is one of the best pesto recipes around. For a fast and easy meal just simply cook your favorite pasta, then add some pesto alone with diced tomatoes and some Parmesan cheese.

    {Ingredients}

- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper


1  First cut off all steams from the basil.

2  Then grate Parmesan cheese and peel the two cloves of garlic.

3  Measure out the other ingredients then add all ingredients into a blender and mix.

Double Layered Brownies

   First a layer of a buttery baked goodness, then a delicious chocolaty top with chunks of chocolate. This is why this brownie recipe is a favorite of mine, plus it doesn't taste like a traditional brownie because of its double layers. This adds a unique twist to the well known and basic brownie recipe and is well worth a try. 

Feel free to give me some feed back on this recipe and how it turned out for you :)

   

  

Ingredients:

First Layer:

-1 cup flour

-1/4 cup granulated sugar 

-1/2 cup butter

Second Layer:

-1  14 ounce can condensed milk 

-1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

-1/2 cup flour

-1 egg

-1/4 cup vegetable oil

-1 teaspoon vanilla 

-1/2 teaspoon baking powder

-1  7 ounce bar milk chocolate broken into small chunks or chocolate chips 

(Preheat oven to 350 f)

1  In a medium sized bowl combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and cut in 1/2 cup butter.

2  Mix together until it becomes soft like a dough (you may need to use your hands) then press it into the bottom of a 9 by 9 or 13 by 9 aluminium or parchment paper wrapped pan. Bake the first layer for 15 minutes.

3  Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl add the condensed milk, cocoa, flour, vanilla, oil,

baking powder, and a egg.

4  Whisk them together and add the chocolate, then pour out the batter onto the first layer.

5  Bake for 25 more minutes, let them cool completely before cutting and serving.

Pico De Gallo

 




                            {ingredients}

            
                   - 1 tablespoon fresh Lime juice
                
                  - 3 small Tomatoes
                
                   - 1 teaspoon Green chili and jalapeno sauce
                
                   - 1 small Onion
                
                   - 1 cup Freshly chopped Cilantro (Some parsley for added Flavor)
                
                   - 3 cloves Garlic
                
                   - 2 tablespoons olive oil
                
                   - 1 teaspoon salt
                
                   - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper



1)  Chop up the Cilantro,onion, tomatoes then mix in a bowl.

2)  Then mince garlic into bowl, and add salt, pepper, olive oil, chili/jalapeno sauce and lime juice.

3)  Mix together.




  



        Great for eating with tacos, burritos or as a salsa.

Virgin Mojito

           


 This is a perfect drink for Spring (Refreshing , Light and Crisp)


       




     Ingredients
  
         Lime:
     2 slices
     1 teaspoon juice

        Mint:
    10 leaves (fresh)

       1/2 cup  Ice

        Soda:
    1 1/2 cups Fresca or 7 up


Drop lime slices and mint into a glass, then press them with a spoon to bring out the flavors. Add ice, lime juice and soda.

(You can switch up the flavor by adding slices of cucumber, which will give it a more refreshing taste)


        



        



        

Chimichurri Sauce

  



Chimichurri is a Argentinean sauce/condiment widely made in South America. Which is eaten with steak, but is also eaten with chicken, fish and pasta.

                                                                     {Ingredients}
                                                               
                                 -1 Cup firmly packed fresh Cilantro or Parsley, with stems trimmed
                                                                 
                                                                  -1/2 Cup olive oil
                                                       
                                                                   -3 garlic cloves
                                                       
                                          -2 Tbsps fresh oregano leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried)

                                                      -2 Tbsps red or white wine vinegar

                                                            -1 teaspoon black pepper

                                                               -1/2 teaspoons sea salt
                                                       
                                                      -1/4 teaspoon red crushed pepper
                                       
                                       
                                       ( Mix in blender, then serve immediately or refrigerate.)

                    

                              I like to use mostly Cilantro, because I love the intense flavor of it.