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1
Add basil and garlic to food processor. Whiz
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2
Add cheese, pine nuts, oil and salt. Whiz and add olive oil to a creamy consistency. Fussy people say it should sit for at least an hour for the basil to break down.
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3
Scrub clams and put them in a big covered pot on high flame. Watch carefully, removing them into a bowl as they open. You don't want overdone, rubbery clams. Discard any that don't open. Meantime, boil the water and cook the pasta al dente. Save a little pasta water just in case the pesto is too thick.
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4
Let the clams cool slightly and pluck the meat out into another bowl. I know many cooks think you need to serve clams with the shells. But for me the idea of big American clamshells covered with melted cheese is gross. At this point you will have three bowls with clam juice: the pot, the first bowl and the second with the meat. Combine all into one and let the grit settle.
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5
Fill a large serving bowl with hot water. This is for mixing the clams, pesto and pasta. If you do it in a hot pot, cheese will stick, diluting the taste.
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6
Chop the clams, not too finely, and add them to the pesto. Carefully pour off the clam juice and add it to the pesto too, leaving all grit behind.
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7
Drain the hot water from the serving bowl. Add pasta, then stir in the pesto/clam mix. Add pasta water if needed, though probably not. Serve with a drizzle of oil if desired.
