Pesto

Ingredients:

• 1  large bunch fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1⁄3 cup pine nuts or almonds, or lightly toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1⁄3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons warm water

Directions:

1. Pull the leaves off of the basil stems. Discard the stems and wash the leaves really well in a sinkful of cold water. Pull them out and drain them in a colander, then dry them in a salad spinner, if you have one, or between clean dish towels. You should have about 2 to 21/2 cups of packed leaves.
2. Put the basil, garlic, pine nuts and cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Put the top on tightly and process until it is well chopped. Stop and use the spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl if everything is getting stuck there.
3. Very, very gradually add the olive oil, at first one tablespoon at a time, gradually increasing the amount. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, and process until it is chunky-smooth.