Basic Pesto

Pesto is most typically made with basil, but it's equally good with a mixture of herbs. I like combining basil and mint (sometimes parsley and/or chives). 

Photo from NY Times Cooking

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts

• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup parmesan

• Kosher salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Pull the basil leaves off the stem. Put the leaves into a small food processor, tearing them in two if they're extra large.

2. Add the nuts and garlic cloves and whirl until everything is finely chopped. Pour in the olive oil and whirl until it's a nice smooth consistency. 

3. Add the parmesan cheese and whirl just until it's incorporated.

4. Taste and add salt to taste.