Pesto

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. If using walnuts, chop into smaller pieces before putting them in the food processor.
2. Place basil and walnuts into the food processor and pulse a few times.
3. Add the garlic, pulse a few more times.
4. Slowly add the olive oil while the food processor is on. After adding about half, scrape down the sides of the food processor to make sure everything is mixing well.
5. Finally, add the cheese, and salt and pepper to taste and pulse a few more times.

This is a recipe that my Dad found originally, and is great for fresh summer basil. I served this over pasta with some sauteed bell peppers, but it can also be used over baked potatoes as the original recipe suggests or over toasted bread. Basically, it is delicious and can be served with almost anything.