Pesto

Homemade pesto is a great and easy way to use fresh basil. The most popular dish with pesto is pasta-pesto. You can use almost any pasta you like, long or short. Pesto is great for sandwiches too (for example, pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes make a brilliant combination).

Makes about 1 cup
• 2 cups (2 ounces) basil
• 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) pine nuts
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2/3 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
Using a blender or food processor, blend the basil, garlic, and pine nuts to make a coarse paste. Add the olive oil and blend until quite smooth. Add the grated Parmesan and process briefly. Season with salt and pepper.