Basil Sauce (Liguria)

Appetizers

Put 2 cloves of garlic, 4 small bunches of frsh basil leaves, a pinch of coarse salt, and a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts, if liked, in a mortar. Pound to a paste. Continue pounding, gradually adding 3 or 4 tablespoons each of grated parmesan and pecorino cheese. When the paste is smooth, stir in a cup of olive oil.

This quantity of pesto is sufficient for 1 pound noodles and will serve 3.