to ask if a small grinder (for pine nuts - to make pesto) actually exists

[SallyJustSally]

Doesn't seem unreasonable to me, but can't actually find such a thing.

[TesticleOfObjectivity]

I used to use our old coffee bean grinder for grinding spices and that was only quite small. Try googling for one of those.

[TempusEedjit]

Kenwood mini chopper? Coffee bean grinder?

[TheSpottedZebra]

You could use a mini food processor?
You could use a coffee grinder, but pine nuts are so soft and oily that they'd keep on clogging I think.

[IvyWall]

You can use a pestle and mortar
www.jamieshomecookingskills.com/recipe.php?title=classic-basil-pesto

[FatalFemme]

I'm allergic, so this may be a ridiculous suggestion, but would a pepper mill not do the job?

[PuntasticUsername]

I have a fantastic Bamix hand blender that has a mill attachment. It's great for this sort of thing. Not the cheapest blender, but very good and they last forever.

[eastwest]

A pestle and mortar would be perfect. We have a small grinder for coffee beans which would work, but the trouble is it will slice rather than crush and I think you want things crushed for pesto (to better release the oils).

[Leelu6]

I received this as a gift - the mini spice blender works a treat

www.tesco.com/direct/james-martin-table-blender-zx841/160-6133.prd?skuId=160-6133&pageLevel=sku&sc_cmp=ppc_sh--sh--tesco-_-160-6133&gclid=CMTt9LKI18kCFQTlwgodKzkCbA&gclsrc=aw.ds

[eastwest]

You can get small china ones (p&m) from Ikea I think.

[PreAdvent13610]

One of these works. But I usually just use a pestle and mortar.

[iWipemyass]

Have a look for herb grinders.

[WowOoo]

As others have said, you only need a pestle and mortar. It's very satisfying. I watch Tv at the same time.

[MouldyPeach]

Was coming here to suggest a, um, 'herb' grinder too

[Sgtmajormummy]

magic bullet was my first idea. I use the mini cup on my Braun multi-use hand blender. The important thing is not to overwork or overheat the pine kernels as their oil needs to be freshly pressed.

^that recipe uses the microwave.

[Junosmum]

I just make mega batches of pesto at a time in a regular food processor and then freeze it in food bags in portions. Soooo much better than jar stuff and really easy.

[2rebecca]

I use the coffee grinder that's attached to my kenwood food processor or use a moulinex hand mix and just mix up all the pesto ingredients together

[2rebecca]

hand blender I mean, have just seen a hand mixer is a whisk

[Blueprintorange]

I use a kenwood mini chopper, works really well.

[CheesyNachos]

I have a granite pestle and mortar. :) Love it for crushing garlic also.

[minininipie]

Second bamix. They're great blenders and have a special blade for nuts.

[ProvisionallyAnxious]

When I make pesto I just bung all of the 'dry' ingredients into a mini food processor, then once they're chopped I add the olive oil. Always seems to work quite well. Also works for chopping and changing on ingredients (e.g. using walnuts instead of pine nuts, etc. Walnut chive and lemon pesto!)

[honeylulu]

I've got a Bamix which is awesome for all sorts of things but I make my Pesto in it as provisionally anxious does above - all ingredients together.

[catfordbetty]

I also use the small bowl on my food processor and get good results. Saying that, you could just chop everything finely with a knife - might produce a pleasingly 'rustic' pesto!

[Tartyflette]

Kenwood mini chopper is great for small amounts, and for salsa verde, or the small bowl in my Magimix is good if i've got loads of basil in the garden to use up.

[thelouise]

YABU