Homemade Pesto

Pesto is super simple, not an exact science (again!), requires a bit of arm strength, and will make magic with just about any type of pasta. All you need is the key ingredients and a mortar and pestle! And don't forget to pour yourself a glass of wine, this is an Italian recipe after all.

Pesto Ingredients:
- basil leaves (you will need more than you think... try maybe 40?)
- olive oil
- 1 small packet of pine nuts
- minced garlic
- grated Parmesan cheese
- salt to taste

If you have garlic cloves, go ahead and mince enough cloves for approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons of garlic. Dice the small bag of pine nuts as best you can (and watch those fingers!), though this is not required... only makes grinding a tad bit easier. Set both aside. Separate the basil leaves from the stems.

Place a handful of basil leaves in the mortar and pestle. Begin grinding down to a chunky paste. It's okay if some parts of the leaves aren't ground down to paste, this will not affect the outcome of your pesto. As you grind, add additional basil leaves, as well as some of the chopped pine nuts and minced garlic. When the mortar is full, remove and place in a side bowl. If your glass of wine is slowly emptying, go ahead and give a good, full Italian pour.

After all the leaves, pine nuts, and garlic are ground and placed in the separate bowl, begin generously adding olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir vigorously until all is blended, add salt to taste. Serve overtop the homemade gnocchi and you're set for an Italian meal! And now it's time to pour yourself another glass...