BASIL PESTO

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts

3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor/blender. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor/blender is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor/blender with a rubber spatula.

3. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended.

4. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.