After you prepare pesto for the first time, you’ll see how easy it is to whip up a batch for dinner or a weekend lunch. Make a large batch: it freezes well. This long, hot summer provided basil the perfect conditions to thrive. Napoletan basil is incredibly flavorful. I could not wait to make this classic for a family dinner. With a single leaf as large as my hand, it is impressively aromatic. Here is my recipe for classic pesto. Classic Pesto Recipe 2 cups washed and dried fresh basil, thick stems removed 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, washed, dried and de-stemmed 1 -2 large cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely…