Basil Pesto Spread

• servings: Makes about 1 cup.

Ingredients

2 cups bright green aromatic basil leaves, tightly packed

⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 fresh white garlic cloves, peeled and crushed (use a mortar and pestle)

¼ cup pine nuts, coarsely crushed (use a mortar and pestle)

Salt

3 tablespoons freshly grated imported

Parmesan cheese

4 tablespoons freshly grated imported Pecorino

Romano cheese

Directions

Place basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and salt to taste in a blender. Process until finely textured but not completely smooth. Scrape pesto into a bowl and stir in the cheeses. If not using immediately, pour a thin layer of extra-virgin olive oil over the top. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until needed.