Basic Pesto

Papagayita's Note:

Basic recipe from my Maman. Very easy to improvise with, using the ingredients you have at hand. I often substitute or combine nuts depending on what I have. Also usually substitute or add wine for much of the olive oil. Have added or subbed up to 1 C fresh spinach leaves for basil at times. Can be made using sharp knife and a lot of chopping or all in blender/food processor, depending on the texture you want.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 6.0

• 1 bunch basil (~3 C loosely packed, or as much as you have)
• 3 garlic cloves (more to taste...)
• ½ cup pine nuts (more or less to taste or what you have on hand. can substitute walnuts or almonds)
• ¾ cup parmesan cheese
• 2 -3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Finely dice basil leaves with a sharp knife or dice using food processor.
2. Crush nuts either with knife or food processor.
3. Repeat w/garlic and combine all ingredients.
4. Pour olive oil/wine/liquid over the top and mix well.
5. Serve over pasta, on top of bread, etc. Stores well in fridge with a layer of oil over it or in the freezer (usually how I store it, especially when I use wine in the recipe).