Shirley's Recipes

Name: Fresh Basil Pesto
Key Ingredient: basil
Preparation: blend
Cuisine: Italian
Source: simplyrecipes.com
Food Group: condiment
Meals: dinner
Courses: side
Temperature: hot, cold
Effort: easy
Prep. Time: :20
Elapsed Time: :20
Servings: 12

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3 medium-sized garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a food processor bowl, combine the basil and pine nuts, pulse a few times to mix. (If you are using walnuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first before adding the basil.) Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is running. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Makes 1 cup.

Serve with pasta, baked potatoes or spread over toasted baguette slices.