Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think pesto is one of those things that is not worth having unless it is fresh. It's like making a tomato, basil salad with winter grocery store tomatoes. I would just eat something else.

I disagree. All summer I make HUGE batches of pesto and store much of it in the freezer and even the thawed stuff is great. I frankly don't see why people even buy it when it is so easy to make and freeze...Basil is so easy to grow around here.

Maybe it is the recipe I use, it is amazing if you use high end OVO and Parmesean:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pesto-recipe2/index.html

Agreed, it freezes very well, especially if you add some parchment or wax paper to cover the top before putting on the lid. I use canning or similar glass jars instead of plastic as I find that keeps it fresher. I haven't tried the ice cube tray method, but if I did I would wrap them with plastic wrap before putting in a freezer bag. Some people freeze pesto without the cheese and add that before serving. I just stir in little squeeze of fresh lemon after thawing to brighten up the flavors a bit.

TJ's

Anonymous wrote:I think pesto is one of those things that is not worth having unless it is fresh. It's like making a tomato, basil salad with winter grocery store tomatoes. I would just eat something else.

I disagree. All summer I make HUGE batches of pesto and store much of it in the freezer and even the thawed stuff is great. I frankly don't see why people even buy it when it is so easy to make and freeze...Basil is so easy to grow around here.

Maybe it is the recipe I use, it is amazing if you use high end OVO and Parmesean:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/pesto-recipe2/index.html

I think pesto is one of those things that is not worth having unless it is fresh. It's like making a tomato, basil salad with winter grocery store tomatoes. I would just eat something else.

Try Cava Mezze from Whole Foods or Yes! Organic - so good!

No store bought recommendations, but if you have a good blender, I think there's a way to use that if you still want to try making it.

I would say next to homemade pesto the next best option is fresh made pesto, like from the deli case at Whole Foods

The stuff from Costco is pretty good.

Are there any good store bought pesto sauces out there? ( I know pesto is easy to make but my food processor decided to break today so making it is out until I replace it).

Thanks for any ideas!