Pesto

6 cups basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan
salt and pepper

Process basil, pine nuts and garlic in food processor until almost smooth.  Add oil in a slow and steady stream until combined. Stir in parmesan, season to taste.
Options:
Parsley and basil: Replace half the basil with parsley
Basil almond:  replace pine nuts with toasted slivered almonds
Mint and almond: replace basil with mint and pine nuts with almonds - serve with lamb
Parsley pistachio and chili:  replace basil with parsley and pine nuts with raosed pistachios.  add chili to taste, stir into pasta.