Makes about 2 cups

If you like the fresh, aromatic, almost licorice flavor of Sweet Basil you will enjoy this distinctive sauce for your pasta.

4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed *

1/2 cup pine nuts

4 to 6 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1 cup olive oil

Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Place basal, pine nuts and garlic in your blender or food processor and pulse until all is puréed.  Then, with the blender or food processor on, slowly add the olive oil in a continues stream.  Add the cheese and pulse until just blended.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

* you may also include some of the slim, tender stems