Pesto - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 generous c. basil leaves, washed and dried
1/2 c. Italian parsley leaves, washed and dried
4 to 6 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 c. pine nuts, walnuts or cashews
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 generous c. good olive oil
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. Romano cheese (if desired)

Preparation

Combine all but oil and cheeses in a food processor and process until smooth, adding olive oil gradually.
Stir in cheeses and taste for balance and consistency, adding more cheese or olive oil and adjusting garlic to your taste.
More olive oil is necessary to make a sauce for pasta, less for pesto to top crackers and cream cheese.
Mix pesto with mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream for a dip. Pesto is wonderful swirled in tomato, vegetable or minestrone soup.