This elegant Pesto Cheese Torta is a crowd-pleasing appetizer layered with creamy, buttery cheese and vibrant homemade basil pesto. It’s rich, flavorful, and beautifully simple to prepare ahead—perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or wine nights. Served with crisp crackers or crostini, each slice reveals alternating layers of green and white that make a stunning presentation...Read More

Few sauces capture the taste of summer as perfectly as classic basil pesto. With its vibrant green color, fresh herbal aroma, and nutty, garlicky richness, pesto is a staple in Italian cooking that has earned a beloved place in kitchens worldwide. Traditionally made in a mortar and pestle (hence its name, derived from the Italian...Read More

Bright, nutty, and fragrant, this pesto takes a delicious twist on the classic by using locally grown California pistachios instead of imported pine nuts. The pistachios add a naturally rich, buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness that balances beautifully with fresh basil, cilantro, and lemon zest. It’s versatile enough to enjoy in countless ways:...Read More

Use this fresh cilantro pesto on grilled chicken, or add to a chicken salad made with grilled chicken for a big flavor boost! Stir pesto into a little mayo and use as a sandwich spread. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 6 cloves garlic...Read More

Bright, fresh, and irresistibly fragrant, this Lemon Walnut Pesto puts a sunny twist on the classic Italian sauce. Made with vibrant basil, toasted local walnuts from Manzanita Manor, and Belle Farms’ lemon-infused olive oil, it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, nutty richness and zesty citrus brightness. A hint of red pepper adds just the...Read More

Peppery, vibrant, and endlessly versatile, this arugula pesto is a zesty twist on the traditional Italian classic. Instead of basil and pine nuts, it pairs fresh arugula with flat-leaf parsley and roasted almonds, brightened with lemon and garlic for a bold, refreshing flavor. The result is a sauce that’s lighter, sharper, and slightly nutty—perfect for...Read More

Bright, aromatic, and nutty, this mint pistachio pesto is a refreshing twist on the classic. The mint keeps it light and fragrant, while pistachios and almonds add depth and texture. It pairs beautifully with pasta, vegetables, or as a spread, but is especially delicious served with seared halibut and a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil....Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 extra virgin olive oil 1 cup mayonnaise 3/4 cup buttermilk 2 tablespoons freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons crushed dried basil* 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste METHOD: Whisk together oils and mayonnaise. Add buttermilk, cheese, basil, salt,...Read More

What is green garlic? Green garlic shoots are the immature garlic “thinnings” from garlic plantings that farmers begin to remove in March and are plentiful at the farmers’ market through most of the spring. Green garlic resembles an overgrown scallion or green onion. Stir Green Garlic Pesto into hot pasta (linguine works great for this...Read More

While most are familiar with basil pesto, parsley makes a fresh-tasting condiment too! Parsley is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking or garnishing. Parsley comes in two varieties — flat leaf (also called Italian parsley) or curly leaf. Parsley is high in vitamin K and has anti-inflammatory properties. Toss parsley pesto with...Read More