Easy Pesto Sauce

As we are getting ready to vacation in Italy, I decided to make some Italian food tonight.  I usually make my own pasta sauce but have never made pesto sauce.  It could not be easier!  Before I share the recipe I have to tell you how buying basil got lost in translation today.  I went to the local produce store and asked for basil leaves.  The man working there showed me two, he explained one was Italian basil and one German basil.  So I asked for the Italian basil of course.  When I got home and unwrapped it from the newspaper, yes they wrap fresh herbs in newspaper, I asked my husband if he thought it was the right kind of basil.  He said it didn't look like basil to him.  I decided to go next door and ask my neighbor who keeps fresh herbs growing on her window ledge.  She said it was not basil but celery leaves and asked what I was making.  I told her pesto and needed basil leaves.  She handed me her plant.  I told her I'd buy her another one and she asked if I was going to use the celery leaves.  I was not, so we traded.  I feel so blessed to live next door to someone who loves to cook.  

I took this recipe from Rick Steve's Italy movie along with tips from online.  There was a short demonstration on the movie which told what to put in it.  This sauce is strong but very tasty!  Serves about 4 people.

Easy Pesto Sauce 

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts (I heated them about 5 minutes on the stove)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions 

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, and garlic. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper. Serve over pasta and top with cheese.