Classic Basil Pesto

Name: Classic Basil Pesto
Ingredients: 1 cup sweet basil leaves, washed and dried (250 mL); 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (250 mL); 1/3 cup pine nuts (75 mL); 5 garlic cloves, peeled (5); 3/4 cup canola oil (175 mL)

Basil pesto is a classic ingredient to have on hand for pasta dishes, salad dressings and chicken dishes. Or, pair it with cheeses and olives on an antipasto plate. To ensure you have fresh pesto year round, pick it in the fall and freeze it to have it on hand all winter long.

- 1 cup sweet basil leaves, washed and dried (250 mL)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (250 mL)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (75 mL)
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled (5)
- 3/4 cup canola oil (175 mL)
1. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and garlic with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of canola oil. Begin blending. As blending continues, slowly add the remaining canola oil so that the sauce emulsifies. Add salt and pepper to taste.