My basil plants were going crazy, so I pruned them all back and made some pesto.
Here's my recipe:
SERVINGS is about 6 cups
2 cups packed basil leaves(approx. 2 oz)
1⁄3 cup olive oil
1⁄2 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1⁄2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Chop garlic and walnuts in the food processor until they are a consistent size. Then add basil and olive oil. Chop until all the leaves are cut up. Add parmesan and blend. Taste for salt, add if needed.
I usually just store in mason jars and keep the oil level above the top of the pesto. It lasts quite a while this way.