If your looking to keep calories down and still feel like your eating a gourmet meal, you have to start making pesto.  PESTO, PESTO, PESTO!!!!  It is the best way to kick up any boring piece of chicken, fish, beef or pasta. This one is easy.....you have to try it. It takes 10 minutes to make and you will be so excited to eat that same piece of grilled chicken or piece of fish without any guilt. To me, that is the whole key to being successful when we are watching our weight. It can't be boring. If it's boring, I'm out on day one, but if it's flavorful and delicious...I'm in!! The best part... there's no cooking involved. It's all done in a food processor, doesn't get any easier than that.

SUN DRIED TOMATO PESTO

2  CUPS SUN DRIED TOMATOES
1/2  CUP PINE NUTS
1/2  CUP FRESH PARSLEY
1/2  CUP GRATED PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE
4  CLOVES OF GARLIC
1/2  CUP RED WINE VINEGAR
OLIVE OIL (APPROX. 1 CUP)
SALT & PEPPER

Soooooo easy!!! Grab your food processor. Put the Sun Dried tomatoes in and give in a few pulses to start breaking them down.

Next, add in the pine nuts, garlic, parsley and season well with salt & pepper.

Add in the cheese and vinegar. Then while the processor is running slowly add in the olive oil. Here's where you can decide exactly how much you would like to put in. I probably use about 1 cup. But depending on the consistency you like, it could be more or less.....it's all up to you.

​There you go....gorgeous and delicious!!! And a powerhouse of flavors!!!

Pesto is something you can use in a crazy number of different ways. As I make them, I will share them with you. Keep checking my Recipe Box for more great recipe ideas for this pesto.  I will tell you that one of my favorite ways to use this pesto is to scoop a couple of tablespoons into a small bowl, add about 1/2 cup of olive oil and stir... what a great dipping oil you will have for a nice crusty loaf of bread. (we can't always be counting calories!)  ENJOY!!!