Here's a basic Italian recipe that you can use for many dishes! The basic pesto sauce is a classic sauce used in much of Italian cooking.

For years many Italians felt strongly that this sauce should be made by hand, with a pestle and mortar. If you use a food processor you will get the same results. The sauce is served with different types of pasta, as a flavoring for soups, and on a fresh Mozzarella and tomato salad.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 large bunch Basil leaves (about 2 cups)
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• salt
• fresh ground, black pepper
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
2. Mince the basil leaves.
3. Blend garlic, basil, and 1/2 cup olive oil, and cheese in a food processor or blender. Use low speed and stop often to stir.
4. Gently blend in remainder of olive oil and the pine nuts.
5. Let sit for an hour before using.

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