Almond Pesto

 This pesto is simple, and far better than any store-bought pesto.  It is great on bruschetta, over pasta, or mixed with some sour cream or cream to make a creamy pesto sauce.  Not to mention the almonds lend a wonderful flavor and are far cheaper than pine nuts.

• 1/2 cup almonds
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place almonds on a cookie sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
2. In a food processor, combine toasted almonds, garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Process, streaming in olive oil until a coarse paste is formed. 

Notes:

• Basically any nut (except peanuts) can be subbed for the almonds- walnuts, pecans, and pine nuts are all a very safe bet, so use whatever you have on hand!
• The Parmesan cheese can be omitted to make the pesto vegan.
• To increase volume, the recipe can be doubled and sub out some of the basil with spinach.

Yields approximately 1 1/3 cup