Pesto sí, instant no

Dear Food Blog,
Instant pesto: hello or oh-no?

-Willing to Settle


Dear Willing to Settle,

I’m sure you’re a wonderful person and any pesto sauce would be lucky to have you. I’m tempted to say that instant pesto is neither a “hello” nor an “oh-no,” but in fact—a hell no. Don’t get me wrong, pesto is delicious. It’s green and tastes good on pasta, pizza and the Communist Manifesto. But instant? I’m… hesitant. Sure, I’ve never tried it, but instant foods are like the wild, up and down roller coaster ride of a crack binge. Sure, just add water and stir. It’s all fun and games until you wake up on the Atlantic City boardwalk, dressed as a mime and your wallet is gone.

Having pesto immediately might seem really important, but don’t do something you’ll regret. If you have a blender or food processor and don’t mind buying the ingredients, you can make pesto easily and quickly. Take 2 cups of fresh basil leaves (packed), ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 tablespoons pine nuts and 3 finely minced cloves of garlic, throw it in the blender, slowly add olive oil as you blend, and you’ve got a sauce that will love you for you, even if you don’t put out on the first date.

Do you have a food-related question? Email us at thisisafoodblog@gmail.com.