• 3 large garlic cloves, unpeeled, end trimmed
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided into 3 tbsp + 2 tbsp
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
• salt & pepper for seasoning

Toast Garlic & Pine Nuts

1. Place the garlic cloves in a small pan over medium heat and toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, until light brown. Remove from pan, and set aside to cool
2. Turn off the heat and immediately place the pine nuts in the still hot pan from the garlic and toss about 2-3 minutes until golden brown

Blend Ingredients

1. Place basil, pine nuts, garlic and 3 tbsp of cheese in the bowl of a food processor
2. Pulse and stream in olive oil until the desired consistency is reached (a thick paste is usually what you're looking for). Scrape down sides of food processor if necessary to be certain all ingredients have been blended
3. Season with salt and pepper and blend just a couple of seconds to incorporate
   Remove pesto from food processor. Fold in the remaining 2 tbsp of cheese. Adjust oil, salt and pepper to taste and it's ready to serve