Fresh Basil Paste

Ingredients:4 cups (packed) fresh basil leaves (about 8 ounces weighed with stems on), 4 to 5 peeled cloves garlic, coarsely chopped, About 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, add two tablespoons chopped pine nuts and four tablespoons grated Parmesan.

Rinse the basil well and pat dry. In a food processor, puree basil with garlic until coarsely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the oil and process until finely pureed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.