Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      cups          fresh basil leaves
   2                    garlic cloves -- chopped
     1/2  cup           freshly grated parmesan cheese*
     2/3  cup           extra virgin olive oil
     1/4  cup           pine nuts
                        salt -- to taste
                        black pepper -- freshly ground, to
                        -- taste

Preparation:

* preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano In a food processor, combine all the ingredients and blend until thoroughly combined. Comments: There are few sauces that compare with this renowned creation from Genoa. Originally, and in some places still, pesto is made with a mortar and pestle; hence, the word "pesto," which derives from the verb "pestare," meaning "to pound." Use the most fragrant basil and the best olive oil and Parmesan available. Serve pesto over pasta or a salad, or use it as a dipping sauce or as an enhancement for vegetable soups.