Spread it in a sandwich, stir it through pasta or enjoy it as a dip with vegetable sticks, this simply made basil pesto is delish! I also love that it’s a cooking activity that children can really get involved in. Let me show you how to make simple basil pesto with kids in the kitchen.
I was struggling to come up with the ideal homemade teacher gift at the end of 2016 when Possum (aged 5 years) was finishing her kindergarten experience – forever. Chocolates, flowers all didn’t seem like a big enough thank you to her teachers who had given so much of their love, time and knowledge to my oldest baby girl.
Then I decided to make some homemade basil pesto, which gave me the idea to turn it into a gift, adding to the hamper wine and fresh pasta of course.
Recommended age: 5 years+
(Strict and active supervision is always required)
Please be aware this recipe may not be suitable to those who have allergies
How to make simple basil pesto with kids in the kitchen
Possum and I had such a lovely time making this basil pesto. We talked and laughed throughout our time making it. What made this recipe great was that it was quick, simple and opened up some opportunities for her to learn new cooking skills and develop a greater appreciation for her to value fresh produce.
Teaching children valuable cooking skills
Children really need to use their fine motor skills when breaking apart the bulbs of garlic or tearing up the fragrant basil. Possum (aged 5 years) had never grated parmesan cheese before and I have to admit I was a little nervous, but clearly explaining how to grate cheese and to watch for the dangers, she did an amazing job.
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- Salt and peper to taste
- Place basil leaves and pine nuts into a blender or food processor and pulse until you create a thick paste.
- Add crushed garlic clove and parmesan cheese and blend.
- As you blend slowly add the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify ingredients.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Do your children enjoy helping in the kitchen?
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What a great recipe to get the littles in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!