Fresh Pesto for ladies night...

Two girlfriends are coming into town for the night and will be doing a mini triathlon tomorrow morning.  They need a carb and protein packed meal for dinner so I decided on Pesto Chicken Pasta.  Hope they like it!

Homemade Pesto Sauce

2 c fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan

1/2 c olive oil

1/3 c pine nuts

3-4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper

Combine the basil in with the pine nuts, pulse a few times in a food processor. Add the garlic, pulse a few times more. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.  Use on pasta, spread on baguette slices or on baked potatoes.