Fresh Mozzarella Blt With Pesto Recipes

MOZZARELLA AND PESTO TWISTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured work surface and gently stretch into a 14-by-8-inch rectangle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough in half into two 7-by-8-inch rectangles. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread 2 tablespoons of the pesto on the top half of each rectangle, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of the mozzarella evenly over each half. Fold the bottom half of the dough upwards to cover the mozzarella and pesto and gently press the edges to seal.
• Cut each rectangle into 8 strips, each about 1/2 inch wide. Carefully twist each strip several times, making sure to keep the filling intact, then place on the prepared baking sheet and pinch the ends to seal. Refrigerate the twists for 30 minutes. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 13 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

PESTO PASTA RECIPE WITH TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
• In a larger bowl, toss the tomatoes with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Transfer to a sheet-pan and bake in heated oven 25 to 35 minutes or just until the tomatoes collapse and develop some char (if you don't want them too soft, take the tomatoes out earlier). When ready, remove from the oven. (See notes)
• While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to the package to al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
• Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large bowl (same bowl used earlier for the tomatoes). Add the pesto and toss to coat. If you need to, add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help mix it evenly. Taste, and if needed, add a bit of kosher salt and black pepper to season.
• Add the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella to the bowl of pasta. Toss to combine. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil, if you like.

PESTO

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Puree until the mixture forms a smooth, thick paste.
• Pizza Toppings for Pesto Sauce: Sliced crimini mushrooms Reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes Sliced black olives Shaved Parmesan cheese
• Suggested Toppings for sauceless pizza: Olive oil Italian herb spice blend Sliced yellow tomatoes Fresh rosemary and parsley Smoked salmon and sh

ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a blender and blend to a puree. Add the cheese, salt and pepper, and blend again.
• Cook the pasta in the boiling, salted water until al dente, about 3 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pesto and toss. Taste for salt and pepper, and add a drizzle of oil, if you like.