4 cloves garlic, minced
12 leaves fresh basil
Dash of salt
2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. olive oil
2 tbsp. pine nuts (optional)
1 lb. egg noodles or 8 oz. spaghetti or linguini
2 qt. boiling water
2 tsp. salt

Put garlic, basil, and dash of salt and mash until blended. add cheese and olive oil alternately a little at a time, pounding and mixing to blend after each addition. Add pine nuts if desired, pounding and mixing until they are blended.

To serve, cook pasta in 2 quarts boiling water with 2 teaspoons salt until done. Drain and mix with pesto. Makes 4 servings.