Basil Pesto

1 small garlic clove
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more for a smoother pesto
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cups basil leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, optional
 
Peel and slice garlic and place it in the olive oil.
 
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet until lightly browned.
 
Boil a medium saucepan of water.  Submerge basil leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer leaves to a bowl of iced water.  Drain, then squeeze out extra water.
 
In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and pulse until well chopped.  Add the basil and pulse until combined.
 
Remove the garlic from the olive oil and discard garlic or save for another purpose.  With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.
 
Makes 1 cup.
 
From Love and Lemons blog, with changes