pesto + manchego + marcona almond

Soak almonds in water for fifteen minutes.

Wash and dry basil leaves.

Grate cheese.

In a food processor we're going to put our basil, the cheese, soaked almonds, little salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.

Process it on and off for thirty seconds.

Then drizzle in the rest of the olive oil while the food processor is on.

This makes sure you get the optimal consistency for your likings.

When it's made fresh the oil tends to separate from the other ingredients.

I suggest serving this after it's been in the refrigerator for an hour because the pesto rests and stays together better.

There are many serving options.

Transfer it to a bowl and serve it with an assortment of cheeses and crostinis, or dress pasta with it, or marinade chicken, or, make a delicious manchego potato pesto pizza that's on my blog.

And as always, Chow!