I went to the farmers market here in St. John's a couple of weeks ago and was super excited that Garlic Scapes (picture below) were in season. I couldn't wait to come home and make some yummy pesto.
I wasn't in the house for very long when I had my food processor out and ready to go. I put together all of my yummy ingredients: Fresh Lemon, Basil, Cilantro, Organic Virgin Olive Oil, Celtic Sea Salt and of course the Scapes. (You can find the recipe & list of health benefits of each ingredient at the end of the blog)
I placed all of the ingredietns in my food processor clicked the "on" switch, and within minutes had the beautiful aroma of Garlic-y pesto filling the kitchen. I sat down with some Mary's Crackers and dug in. D-E-L-I-S-H.
After filling my belly, it was time to clean up. Another great thing about this recipe, you only need a food processor, cutting board and knife; all of which are dish-washer friendly:)
I decided to put the pesto in ice cube trays so that it would be easier to use in the future. This way I can grab a couple cubes at a time to add to my cooking. This morning I was feeling like I was getting a "cold" so I quickly grabbed a cube and spread it on my Ezekiel toast. YUMMY and a wonderful immune system boost.
I decided to put the pesto in ice cube trays so that it would be easier to use in the future. This way I can grab a couple cubes at a time to add to my cooking. This morning I was feeling like I was getting a "cold" so I quickly grabbed a cube and spread it on my Ezekiel toast. YUMMY and a wonderful immune system boost.
Garlic-Chard Pesto Recipe
2 Cups Garlic Scapes
4-5Cups Yellow Swiss Chard
1/2Cup Cilantro
1/2Cup Parsley
Dash Sea Salt (to desired taste)
1/4 cup Olive Oil (more or less for desired consistency)
1 Lemon, freshly squeezed (more or less to desired taste)
*Place all ingredients in food processor and watch the magic happen.
Health Benefits of Ingredients:
Garlic Scapes may increase oxygen in the blood therefore benefitting your tissues and organs. They are also very high in antioxidants, and may help ward off colds and flus.
Yellow Swiss Chard is packed with Nutritional value. It's levels of vitamins and minerals combined with it's powerful antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll make this food very health protective.
Cilantro provides antioxidants and phytonutrients to the body along with beneficial anti-microbial properties.
Parsley is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It promotes optimal health through its beneficial phytonutrients. Parsley is considered a "chemoprotective" food. That means that it has been shown to neutralize carcinogens when consumed together. (Healthy tip: using parsley when BBQing is very beneficial). Parsley is also packed with high amounts of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a powerhouse food that we all can benefit from. Unfortunately, because chronic disease is associated with "fat", we are told to avoid it. That isn't the case. In fact we need to eat fat, just the right kinds. Extra Virgin Olive Oil can help to decrease inflammation in your body, help you maintain a stable weight, promote a healthy heart.
Fresh Lemons are full of live enzymes that help promote digestion and help to alkalinize the body. When using a lemon, try to keep as much of the rind (white part) as possible to help lower cholesterol. The peel contains d-limonene (reminds me of lemonade) that helps your DNA and cells, so don't through it away. Try zesting it into various recipes for added benefit.
2 Cups Garlic Scapes
4-5Cups Yellow Swiss Chard
1/2Cup Cilantro
1/2Cup Parsley
Dash Sea Salt (to desired taste)
1/4 cup Olive Oil (more or less for desired consistency)
1 Lemon, freshly squeezed (more or less to desired taste)
*Place all ingredients in food processor and watch the magic happen.
Health Benefits of Ingredients:
Garlic Scapes may increase oxygen in the blood therefore benefitting your tissues and organs. They are also very high in antioxidants, and may help ward off colds and flus.
Yellow Swiss Chard is packed with Nutritional value. It's levels of vitamins and minerals combined with it's powerful antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll make this food very health protective.
Cilantro provides antioxidants and phytonutrients to the body along with beneficial anti-microbial properties.
Parsley is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It promotes optimal health through its beneficial phytonutrients. Parsley is considered a "chemoprotective" food. That means that it has been shown to neutralize carcinogens when consumed together. (Healthy tip: using parsley when BBQing is very beneficial). Parsley is also packed with high amounts of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a powerhouse food that we all can benefit from. Unfortunately, because chronic disease is associated with "fat", we are told to avoid it. That isn't the case. In fact we need to eat fat, just the right kinds. Extra Virgin Olive Oil can help to decrease inflammation in your body, help you maintain a stable weight, promote a healthy heart.
Fresh Lemons are full of live enzymes that help promote digestion and help to alkalinize the body. When using a lemon, try to keep as much of the rind (white part) as possible to help lower cholesterol. The peel contains d-limonene (reminds me of lemonade) that helps your DNA and cells, so don't through it away. Try zesting it into various recipes for added benefit.
Hope you enjoy the recipe!
All the best in Health,
Deanne Dietz
