Lemon Basil Shortbread Cookies & Basil Pesto

We were completely inspired by the amount of delicious recipes we found using basil! We know that it's hard to use up basil sometimes, so why not go nuts and make a bunch of different things using it? 
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Lemon Basil Shortbread
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Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder1 or 2 T. lemon peel (to taste)
1 ½ T. fresh basil leaves chopped
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks), cold and cut into small pieces
1 large egg, at room temperature



Click through to view the rest of this recipe: http://www.cherryteacakes.com/2010/08/lemon-basil-flower-shortbread-cookies.html



Basil Pesto

Pesto is a great staple to keep in the fridge at all times. It is so versatile and only requires a few simple ingredients.




Ingredients:

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best)
1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
1 large or 2 small garlic cloves
1/8 cup lemon juice or juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper




Click through to view the rest of this recipe: http://natashaskitchen.com/2011/08/03/basil-pesto-recipe/