Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is a full flavoured sauce used for pasta.  Simply stir it through heated pasta and garnish pasta with extra toasted pine nuts and shavings of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

2 cups basil leaves, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra)

Method:

1. Put all ingredients except olive oil into a food processor and pulse, gradually adding the oil until a smooth paste forms.
2. If you plan on keeping the paste, put it into a jar and pour extra oil over the top.  This will prevent the basil from oxidising and turning black.