MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06
 
      Title: Fusilli w/Pistachio Pesto
 Categories: Pasta, Nuts, Sauces, Vegetables, Herbs
      Yield: 4 Servings
 
MMMMM---------------------------PESTO--------------------------------
    1/2 c  Shelled, peeled, unsalted
           - pistachios; + a handful,
           - rough chopped, reserved
           - for scattering over each
           - portion *
      3 tb Lightly toasted, blanched
           - almonds
      1 c  (packed) fresh basil leaves
    1/2 c  (packed) fresh flat-leaf
           - parsley leaves
    1/2 c  Good quality extra-virgin
           - olive oil
    1/2 ts Sea salt
           Fresh ground pepper; white
           - or black

MMMMM---------------------------PASTA--------------------------------
      1 lb Fusilli, penne or gemelli
      2 tb Salt
      3 tb Fresh grated Parmigiano
           - Reggiano or grana padano;
           - plus additional for table
 
  In a food processor, combine the pistachios, almonds,
  basil, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Process,
  pulsing every few seconds until the mixture is blended but
  still has a slightly grainy consistency. Take care not to
  over-grind to avoid a paste-like result. Use a rubber
  spatula to transfer the pesto to a small mixing bowl.
  Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pesto
  and chill until you are ready to use it. For best results,
  use it within several hours of preparing.
  
  If you need to make it far in advance, proceed as above,
  transfer the pesto to a freezer container and cover with a
  thin film of olive oil; press plastic wrap directly on the
  surface and seal the container. When ready to use, thaw
  and continue with the recipe as below.
  
  Bring 5 quarts water to a rolling boil. Add the salt and
  the pasta at the same time. Cook precisely as indicated on
  the package directions. Just before draining, set aside
  1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta; while
  it is still dripping wet, return it to the pan. Add the
  pesto and the 3 tablespoons grated cheese, blending well
  with a wooden spoon and working in a few tablespoons of
  the reserved cooking water or more, if needed, to loosen
  up the sauce and coat the pasta evenly. Transfer to
  individual plates and scatter the chopped pistachios over
  each. Pass additional grated cheese at the table.
  
  * If the membrane of the pistachios don't peel off easily
  after rubbing them with your fingers, blanch them in
  boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain, shock in cold
  water, and dry the nuts in a paper towel. Toast them
  lightly, and when they cool, peel off any skins that
  haven't come off.
  
  Recipe by: Julia della Croce
  
  From: http://www.npr.org
  
  Uncle Dirty Dave's Kitchen
 
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