Pesto Pasta

2 cups fresh basil4 cloves garlic1/3 cup walnuts1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil1/4 cup water1 tsp lemon juicesaltpepperCombine pesto ingredients in a blender until desired consistency. Heat in a saucepan over low heat. Serve over pasta. Makes 4 servin...

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Chunky Gazpacho with Shrimp

3 ripe tomatoes, diced1 small cucumber, diced1/2 onion, diced2 cloves garlic, dicedhandful of basil, torn into small piecesthree-inch-thick slice of day-old baguette, cut into piecessaltpepperice cube3 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp hot sauceIn a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, garlic, basil, bread, salt, and pepper. Pour half of the mixture along with an ice cube into a blender and purée until smooth. Pour puree back into the bowl, and add olive...

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Bruschetta

Fresh loaf of bread - baguette, or in my case, whole wheat Italian2 tomatos or 1 large tomato, diced1/4 onion, diced2 cloves garlic, dicedhandful of basil, torn into small pieces1/4 cup grated parmesanolive oilPreheat oven to 375. Slice bread and place on baking sheet(s). Rub bread with garlic and brush with olive oil. Bake in oven for approximately 5 minutes, until bread is golden brown and crunchy. Meanwhile, combine tomato, onion, garlic, basil,...

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Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes

7 oz bittersweet chocolate (I used Ghiradelli bittersweet chips)1 1/2 sticks butter1/3 cup sugar4 eggs3 tbsp honey1 tsp vanilla1 heaping tbsp cocoa powder (for completely flourless cake) or flour (which I used because I didn't have cocoa on hand)walnuts (optional)Preheat oven to 350. Put a pot of water to boil. Cut chocolate into small pieces if using a bar instead of chips. Cut butter into 1/2 inch slices. Combine choclate and butter in a metal...

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