Simple Pesto

1. 1

   Into the bowl of the food processor, add the garlic, basil, pine nuts OR butter, salt, and pepper.

2. 2

   Note: As I do not have a food processor, I use a hand-cranked food mill. The result is that the pesto will taste pretty much the same as when you make it in the food processor, but will be much darker. The remaining instructions assume you have a food processor (or strong arms from all the cranking).

3. 3

   Pulse or grind until the basil and pine nuts are finely chopped.

4. 4

   With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup of olive oil until the pesto has a thick, yet smooth consistency. Depending on the basil, you may need to add up to 1/4 cup more olive oil.

5. 5

   Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the parmesan cheese.

6. 6

   Serve over pasta, fish, or chicken, use in salad dressings or as a sandwich spread -- the uses are endless.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.