Pesto...

As a tribute to the month of March...here is a green recipe:

Pesto
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 tbsps + 2 tsps olive oil
1 1/2 tsps minced garlic
3/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/3 tsp salt
1 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all in a food processor until finely chopped. (This makes enough for use in both of the recipes listed below.)

You can top salmon with this...then bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then top with more parmesan cheese...cook another 2 minutes until cheese is melted and serve with brown rice and a simple garden salad.

You can also make a chicken pizza with this pesto. Take a Boboli 12" pizza pie, top with 1/4 cup pesto, 1 lb. pan fried chicken strips, 1 chopped tomato, 1 can black beans (drained), and 1 1/2 cups mozarella/parmesan cheese. Bake for 12 minutes at 400 degrees.

Enjoy. (Courtesy of Taste of Home Simple and Delicious Cookbook)