2 cups tightly packed, fresh basil leaves

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons lightly toasted pine nuts or untoasted chopped walnuts

¼ to ? cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, halved, green shoots removed

? to ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Combine basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts) and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.

With the machine running, slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.

Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.