From scratch PESTO

This herby sauce comes together in no time and gives pasta, soup and much more a hit of fresh flavor.

- CHRISTINE ALBANO

ONE-STEP CLASSIC PESTO

Active 10 min. Total 10 min.

Makes about 1 cup

In food processor, pulse the following until almost smooth:

3 cups fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

2 tsp grated lemon zest plus

2 tsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, grated

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Make Ahead: Freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then pop into a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Stir into soup frozen or thaw and use as desired.

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Active 10 min. Total 10 min. Serves 2

Heat grill to medium. Coat 4 thin chicken cutlets with 1/4 cup pesto (recipe at left) and grill 2 min. Flip cutlets, top each with slices of mozzarella and grill, covered, until chicken is cooked through and mozzarella has melted, 2 to 3 min. more. Grill 2 small ciabatta rolls (split) until lightly charred, 1 to 2 min. Brush with 1/4 cup pesto and make sandwiches with chicken and sliced tomatoes.