Basic Pesto Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Servings: 8 Serving Size: 2 tablespoons Ingredients - 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves - 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced. Add more to taste; this is minimal. - 2 tablespoons walnuts (or substitute roasted sunflower seeds) - 1/2 cup grated hard cheese - 1/3 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons water or lemon juice - salt, if needed    A richly flavorful pesto of basil, garlic and oil makes a tasty dressing for pasta as well as a wonderful addition to sliced tomatoes, crusty Italian bread, pizza, or steamed new potatoes.	1

	Directions Place leaves in food processor and chop coarsely. Add remaining ingredients and pulse, scraping down the sides of the container when necessary, until all contents are well blended into a medium-thick paste. Taste the pesto for seasoning and add salt, if needed. Thin with a little water if too thick. If you have access to an abundance of basil, make excess pesto and freeze it for future use.	2