Pesto

It is possible to get pre-toasted pine nuts from Trader Joes, which are fine to use, but I feel that a freshly toasted nut is slightly better, so if you have time, toast them yourself.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup pine nuts

• 2 cloves garlic

• 3 cups fresh basil leaves

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese plus more for sprinkling

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ⅓ to ½ cup olive oil

• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked and drained

Instructions:

1. Place pine nuts in a small dry (no oil) saute pan and toast until golden brown.

   WARNING: It is very easy to burn the nuts, so stir while toasting and watch very closely.

2. Put pine nuts, garlic, basil, parmesan and salt in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until finely minced.

3. With the processor on, drizzle olive oil into the basil mixture until a paste begins to form.

4. Spoon over penne, stir to disperse, and serve with more grated Parmesan cheese.