Basil Pesto Pizza Sauce Topping Recipe

Great in a "Pasta el Pesto," this basil pesto sauce recipe is a refreshing substitute for the traditional tomato-based pizza sauce.

Ingredients:

12 - Walnuts, shelled
2 tbsp. - Pine nuts, shelled
1 tsp. - Coarse sea salt or Kosher salt
4 - Black peppercorns
3 - Garlic cloves
4 tbsp. - Sweet, unsalted butter
3 cups - Freshly-picked, whole, basil leaves
8 oz. - Grated Parmesan cheese or 4 oz - Grated Romano cheese and 4 oz. - Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups - Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation:

Place all ingredients, except 1 cup olive oil, into a food processor and grind very fine.

Add the remaining olive oil and blend for several seconds more until sauce is very smooth.

Use immediately, or store refrigerated in an air-tight, glass container.

Return to room temperature before re-using.