Pasta al Pesto

(Pasta with Parsley/Basil Pesto)

Nereo Favrin, Loria, Treviso

(Yield: 4 servings)

1 pound penne

(or your favourite pasta)

¼ cup parsley

(fresh and tightly packed)

¼ cup basil

(fresh and tightly packed)

3 ounces Feta or favourite cheese

3 garlic cloves

(peeled)

4 tablespoons pine nuts

2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Clean parsley and basil and dry thoroughly.

2.Using a food processor, pulse the parsley. Add basil and pulse a few times until well mixed.

3.Add cheese, garlic and pine nuts and pulse a few more times until well mixed.

4.Add oil from the top of the processor a little at a time until you get a smooth mixture.

5.After you have cooked and drained your favourite pasta (reserving approx. 1 cup of the cooking liquid), add 3 to 4 tablespoons of pesto and mix well. Add some of the cooking liquid if it is too dry.

6.Season with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately, topped with more cheese.

Note: The remaining pesto can be held in the fridge for approx. 1 week. It can be placed in a tightly sealed container (such as a freezer jar) and frozen up to 1 month.