Pesto

1. Gather ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt to taste

2. Toast pine nuts lightly in a pan until golden, then let them cool

3. Add garlic and pine nuts to mortar and crush until paste-like

4. Add basil leaves a handful at a time, grinding in circular motion until smooth

5. Add Parmesan and mix until fully incorporated

6. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while grinding to emulsify

7. Add salt to taste and adjust consistency if needed with more oil