Fresh Basil Pesto
By Simply Recipes

I absolutely adore this recipe from Simply Recipes. It was the first recipe I made on my own without my family interfering. Every year my family grows a vegetable garden in which my younger sister grows tomatoes, my mom grows mint, and I grow basil (my dad is the one who ends up doing all the work, but we take the credit). It works perfectly to have a fresh supply of the most essential ingredient of this recipe in my backyard! Of course, to those who wish to purchase basil in the local grocery store, the recipe will work just as well.

A small note before we begin: While this recipe is originally from Simply Recipes, I have altered it slightly because of the new techniques I have found over time.

Enjoy!!!!

Prep Time: 10 min

Yield: Make 1 cup (This recipe is quite large. If you plan to use it for only one meal, half the recipe. It will taste just as good)

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 
  
• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
  
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  

Special equipment needed: A food processor (Check Amazon.com's sales on Cuisinart food processors)

Directions:

1. Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
   
2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor 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.

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

For more information, visit: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/