The best summer dinner party starter

Fresh Basil Dip

A garden-to-table superstar

This is one of the best summertime appetizers ever and is easy to make. We keep this dish seasonal, something to look forward to in the mid-summer when basil is everywhere, especially in gardens and farmer’s markets. Serve with homemade pita chips.

Basil Dip
3 cups packed fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 large garlic cloves (I mince mine)
3 or 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper

Put all the ingredients in a food processer and pulse until smooth but you can see basil bits, add a pinch more salt or lemon after tasting.

Homemade pita chips
oven at 350
1 bag of small plain pocket pita bread
cut pita bread in chip size pieces with kitchen shears (Dave likes to leave some doubled up)
place the entire amount on a cookie sheet and spray with olive oil spray or PAM

Bake until crisp, about 10 minutes, and cool. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, or pepper if you like that.