Pesto - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. fresh basil
1/3-1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, crushed (not pressed with a garlic press)
1/4 t. salt
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

In a mortar and pestle, grind basil with salt, pine nuts and garlic.
If using food processor, add oil as well, adjusting thickness depending on desired use.
Add the cheese and mix well. for tossing with pasta, be sure pesto is not too stiff.
For layering in a cheese torta, keep the pesto at a paste-like consistency.

(Makes enough pesto to serve 6 servings of pasta when thinned with olive oil.