Spring inspirations and a delicious twist on traditional pesto
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The month of February is an in-between time. Not quite yet spring and I’m trying to be patient with the last leg of winter. Although I love winter, sweaters and warm comforting food — I am ready for fresh flavors and colorful flowers.
5 things inspiring me right now:
- Spring flower and bulb catalogs, especially Annie’s Annuals, they are very creative and extra colorful.
- Music. Right now I am listening to Willow Smith.
- Chocolate. Not just for Valentine’s day. I like to add a bit of cocoa to my morning coffee.
- Mushrooms (I am obsessed) Shiitake’s are high in B vitamins and they are a food source for vitamin D. For more info check out Fungi.com
- Conifers. Anything pine scented: bath salts, soap, candles or essential oil.
Arugula & Sunflower Seed Pesto
This is a recipe for Arugula and Sunflower Seed Pesto. It is extremely versatile and a beautiful bright green color on dreary days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Pinch black pepper
- a few leaves fresh basil (optional)
Directions:
Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until you have a chunky paste.
How to use it:
- The pesto can be spread onto toasted baguette for an appetizer or snack.
- Add a few spoonfuls to a warm bowl of polenta (Bob’s Red Mill is great, follow instructions on back of package)
- Add a little extra olive oil or 1/2 a stick of Earth Balance into the processor and then spoon over warm pasta.
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Tofutti Sour Cream for a creamy pasta sauce or sandwich spread.
*A great variation is to use spring greens such as dandelion leaves.
You may also enjoy Recipe: Kefir Guacamole by Donna Schwenk
