Every summer I grow Basil and it thrives here in eastern North Carolina.What can you do with all this basil? Well, I make Pesto and freeze it to enjoy all year.
![Pesto Genovese from Innkeeper at Big Mill B and B Basil is easy to grow and fresh Basil is perfect for making Pesto Genovese | https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/pesto-genovese-recipe-innkeeper-eastern-NC](https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Basil-in-purple-colander-NC-600x374.jpg)
Fresh Basil from Chloe’s Cook’s Garden
Pesto will keep a long time in the freezer. It can be frozen in ice cube trays — handy if you only need a small amount of pesto.
Basil is also easily rooted if you want to try to keep a pot inside over the winter. I just put a stem in a glass of water, then plant in soil once it shows roots.
![Pesto Genovese recipe is easy to make and a crowd pleaser](https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Pesto-Recipe-Chloes-Blog-NC.jpg)
Ingredients
- 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
- 2 large cloves garlic minced or mashed
- 1/2 cup olive oil good quality
- 2/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best if using pre-grated, grind in a food processor before adding to pesto
- Handful of grape tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil leaves. Peel the garlic and mash it. Put basil, garlic and oil in blender and blend until smooth. Slowly add nuts and mix.
- Remove from blender and mix in cheese. I like to blend some of the cheese in with the basil mixture
- Serving Suggestions : Serve on noodles with diced grape tomatoes as garnish. It is also very good in salad dressings or on crusty bread.
Notes
Nutrition
![Peato Genovese Recipe from Chloe at Big Mill Bed and Breakfast near Greenville, NC | https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/pesto-genovese-recipe-innkeeper-eastern-NC Pesto Genovese from Craig Clairbornes NY Times Cookbook is the best |](https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Pesto-Genovese-Big-Mill-gar-600x900.jpg)
Hover over photo to PIN FOR LATER
Write to me and let me know if you have any great uses for Pesto.
Recipe from Innkeeper Chloe at Big Mill Bed & Breakfast in Williamston, NC 252-792-8787
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