Perfect Pesto, From Bobby Flay

Pesto is a delicious Italian specialty. The sauce can be made with everything from basil to mint to roasted peppers.

On The Early Show Thursday, resident chef Bobby Flay, a big pesto fan, shared some of his favorite pesto recipes.

RECIPES

Basil Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine basil, garlic, pine nuts in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until smooth. Add the cheese, salt and pepper and pulse a few times to combine.

Sage Pesto

1-1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine the parsley, sage, walnuts and garlic in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until smooth. Add the romano cheese, salt and pepper and pulse a few times to combine.

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

2 red bell peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup blanched almonds, chopped
3 cloves roasted garlic
1 small shallot, chopped
1 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated cotija cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Combine the peppers, parsley, almonds, garlic, shallot and thyme in the bowl of a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the oil and process until smooth. Add the cotija and salt and pepper and pulse a few times to combine.