Pesto

Ingrediants:

2 Cups (packed) fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

1 clove garlic

salt and pepper to taste

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan reggiano cheese (If you have a Microplane - that is the easiest way to go)

 

Directions:

In a blender or food processor, pulse the basil, nuts, garlic, salt and pepper until finely chopped. With the machine still running, gradually add enough oil to create a smooth, fairly thick consistency. Stir the cheese in by hand.
To serve pesto on pasta, add just enough of your pasta water to get the pesto to coat the pasta - but be careful not to create pesto soup! Pesto is also wonderful served as a condiment for meat or fish, as a pizza sauce (for a change from tomato sauces), or simpley served on toasted bread as an appetizer.