Pesto

If you have never tried pesto your are in for a big treat. Its a light oily sauce flavored with basil and garlic. This sauce is quick to make as toss with some of your favorite pasta to enjoy instead of using boring tomato sauce.

This recipe requires fresh basil, NOT the dried variety you find in the spice aisle. I suggest buying a basil plant as it will pay for itself the first time you make this recipe. Separate the leaves from the stems. 

Combine basil, garlic, nuts and olive oil in a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth but do not over blend or the sauce will darken.

Transfer to a bowl.

Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well.

Cook pasta according to the box's directions and drain. Do not wash the pasta. Place the pasta in a frying pan with a small ammount of olive oil and toss with pesto. Heat until warm.

Once warm, serve and enjoy immediately.

Ingredients

3 cups of fresh basil
4 large garlic cloves
1/2 cup of walnuts or pine nuts
1.5 cups of extra virgin olive oil
1.25 cups of Parmesan cheese, grated
salt to taste
pepper to taste