Where do you find pine nuts?

melodyg

I got a great deal on a bunch of basil at the Farmer's Market and was thinking of making some pesto... but I have no idea where to find pine nuts in the grocery store! I looked everywhere they carried nuts. Any ideas? Do I need to go somewhere like Whole Foods (I was just at Kroger)?

Anyone have any better ideas for good ways to use basil?

mandikaye

They usually have them in the nut section on the baking aisle - where the bagged almonds, pecans, and walnuts are.

They *definitely* have them at Whole Foods, but you should find them in the regular grocery store too.

❤B☩❤

At my grocery store (Hannafords), they have them both in the baking aisle AND in the produce section. Good luck! : )

I don't like basil, so I wouldn't be able to give you anything.............sorry!

kintegra

I've always bought them in the produce section.


Also try the Parmesan Stuffed chicken breast w/strawberries recipe I sent you. You use basil in that! I usually use a lot more than it calls for in the recipe. YUM

ladyofivy

On a ventriloquist's dummy.

(Sorry; I just couldn't resist.)

skygoddess86

That was very funny!! In my town they are outrageously expensive. Supposed to be really good for you though. Oh tomatoe basil soup or salad is fab!

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

There everywhere out here. I live in Santa Fe, NM and it's like a staple out here. Doesn't help, but a tasty tidbit of informaton. :laugh:

kayemme

check the bulk bin @ whole foods. they're very expensive, so you probably want to buy just what you need.

i've made pesto plenty of times without the pine nuts.

don't forget the peccorino! (or parmesean) yum yum!


oh, for other uses of basil


tomato basil soup
basil wrapped ricotta gnocci
pho soup w/ fresh basil
pasta w/ basil, cheese & garlic
in salads
basil mayonnaise
in rice w/chicken

spob

You could also substitute almonds, they stay fresher longer and have less oil.

jeweljade

If you go to walmart they are in the produce section usually with the packaged dried fruits and nuts. They aren't with the regular mixed nuts and stuff in our walmart.

weaklink109

If your mainstream grocery has a bulk food section, check the area in that department where they have nuts, and you might find them there. Also, if there is a Trader Joe's, that might be another possibility.

dharmachic

I second the almond suggestion, it's actually the nut of choice in a type of pesto called "Trapenese" and it is DELICIOUS!

Just roast the almonds in a dry pan, then throw them in the food processor with some basil, tomatoes, drizzle of olive oil, salt, capers and anchovies (optional, but they're really good!), then toss the mixture in cooked pasta, and add some parmesan cheese, and voila! So easy and the nuttiness of the roasted almonds really add a great dimension of flavor!

I actually prefer almonds now in my pesto than pine nuts, which is great since they're cheaper and easier to find.

godblessourhome

walnuts are interchangeable with pine nuts in pesto. here is *the* best recipe:
2 cups basil leaves, washed and patted dry
4-6 good-sized garlic gloves
1 cup shelled walnuts or pine nuts
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (more to thin)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
salt and pepper
combine basil, garlic and nuts in a food processor. chop. leave motor running and slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream. shut off food processor. add cheese and a grinding of salt and pepper. process to blend.
it makes 2 cups.

GrammaPower

Best BULK price I have found is at Costco! Regular food store price is way outrageous!

SidAZ

Try a Middle Eastern store. The ones where I live usually carry them much cheaper than any typical grocer or market.

navstar

I couldn't find them either, so I asked and they ordered some in for me from their warehouse I only bought one pack:blushing: (200g) to try them, and now everytime we go past them on the shelf my husband nudges me and says "look there's your nutty things!":bigsmile:

sheyna1983

They have pine nuts in the bulk section at safeway. They're really expensive though. They're allowed on my diet so I went to get some but I dunno what to do with them. They're not exactly the kind of nuts you can just eat on their own. Do you add it to salads??

HealthyChanges2010

Try a Middle Eastern store. The ones where I live usually carry them much cheaper than any typical grocer or market.

Very true!! Ohhhhh if you're making it for the first time, I'd HIGHLY recommend you use the yummy pinenuts to make it authentic. Bulk they are decent priced, just buy what you need and you're set. FAR fresher than packaged as well.

Becca:drinker:

melodyg

walnuts are interchangeable with pine nuts in pesto. here is *the* best recipe:
2 cups basil leaves, washed and patted dry
4-6 good-sized garlic gloves
1 cup shelled walnuts or pine nuts
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (more to thin)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 to 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
salt and pepper
combine basil, garlic and nuts in a food processor. chop. leave motor running and slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream. shut off food processor. add cheese and a grinding of salt and pepper. process to blend.
it makes 2 cups.

Thanks! I don't have a food processor so was HOPING I could use a blender if I chopped things up really small to begin with. Think that would work?

melodyg

Thanks, all! I actually used up the basil before getting to the pesto... but I'll definitely keep all of your suggestions in mind for next time I buy a bunch of basil!

spob

There are some great recipes in here, awesome girls!:drinker:

godblessourhome

Thanks! I don't have a food processor so was HOPING I could use a blender if I chopped things up really small to begin with. Think that would work?

i don't see why it wouldn't, but i'd add a smudge of oil before chopping the basil and walnuts.