1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted (I skip the toasting step)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 small clove garlic, peeled and chopped (I use the refrigerated kind)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the pesto: combine the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth (you may need to add a splash of water so that it blends well).
The first time I made pesto, I bought a cup of pine nuts. The next three times I made it, I only had to buy basil. The other ingredients I always have on hand. This is much cheaper than buying the expensive store-bought kind.
