Whiz 2 cups of firmly packed basil leaves, 1/2 cup (8 oz) roasted pine nuts and 2 garlic cloves in a food processor until finely chopped. With the motor running, add 1/2 cup olive oil in a thin stream until combined. Add 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese and give the mixture a good whiz.
For an Asian twist, substitute coriander for the basil and use macadamias instead of the pine nuts.
This home-made pesto makes simple pasta dishes delicious. Nice also drizzled on fish or meat or simply tossed through boiled potatoes.