Homemade Pesto

PestoINGREDIENTS

  • 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves, washed and spun dry
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & Pepper

PROCEDURE

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Scatter the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast 5 to 10 minutes, until you can smell the nuts in the oven, and they have turned golden brown.  Let them come to room temperature before you use them!

Put the nuts, garlic, and basil in the food processor.  Whiz them up until they are finely chopped.  Add the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Whiz until smooth.  Add in the cheese, and run the machine one final time to combine everything.

TIPS

To save money, use chopped walnuts instead of pine nuts, and substitute spinach for half the basil.