Fabulous Cilantro Pesto

Ingredients:

1 16-oz. package farfalle (bow tie) pasta

1 bunch fresh cilantro

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 T. white wine vinegar (substitute with lime, lemon, or Italian dressing if desired)

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 t. cayenne pepper

1/2 c. walnuts or pecans

salt to taste

1/2 c. olive oil

Recipe:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water ot a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

2. In a food processor or blender, place cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 c. of the olive oil and blend. Add more olive oil until desired consistency. (Or if you don't have a food processor or a very good blender then just dice the dickens out of everything and whisk together in a bowl.

3. Pour pesto in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.

Rating: 3 of 5

I liked this dish and thought it was very tasty. Loved the cayenne pepper in it. A little kick, but not too much. I loved the pecan flavor as well. And, of course, the cilantro is amazing. I do think it calls for too much olive oil, but that's easily fixed. I wouldn't every serve this as a main dish, but as a side this would work great. I think it would work best along side a chicken or fish recipe. Also, this makes a big batch. Next time I'll half it.

Source: AllRecipes Dinner Tonight, pg. 186