Fresh Basil Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts, hazelnuts or walnuts
3-4 medium sized garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice or juice from 1/2 a lemon

1. Combine the basil in with the nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. (If you are using walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pine nuts and they are not already chopped, pulse them a few times first, before adding the basil.) Add the garlic and lemon juice, pulse a few times more.

2. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.

3. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Note: If freezing, do not add the cheese until you've thawed it to use as the cheese does not freeze well.