Classic Pesto

Name: Classic Pesto
Yield: Makes 1 cup
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pine nuts; 4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves (2 ounces); 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 garlic clove; Coarse salt and ground pepper; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Sweet-and-spicy basil is the main ingredient in pesto. For an appetizer, spread pesto over toasted or grilled slices of baguette.

Source: Everyday Food, June 2006

Makes 1 cup

Yield

Ingredients

1/2 cup pine nuts
4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves (2 ounces)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until golden and fragrant, tossing once, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to prevent further browning. Let cool completely. In a food processor, combine nuts, basil, cheese, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Process until finely chopped. With machine running, pour oil in a steady stream through the feed tube; process until smooth.