Walnut Basil Pesto

Pesto can be a great addition to many dishes.  I like to use it as a sauce for rice pasta or quinoa, on pizza, or on a panini.  It is traditionally made with pine nuts and Parmesan cheese but I like to switch up the type of nut I use and omit the cheese every once in a while.  

Ingredients:

4 Cups Basil, loosely packed
2-3 Garlic Cloves, or 1 Teaspoon of finely minced garlic
1/2 Cup Walnuts
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (more or less can be added for desired consistency)
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper

The Steps:

1) Using a Food Processor, combine the basil, garlic, salt, pepper and walnuts and pulse until coarsely chopped.  Next add in the oil and blend until fully combined and has a paste-like texture.