Better Living Through Local Foods
Last weekend as I was trying to figure out what to make for two different parties I was reminded by a fellow health coach of the fabulous website that features a Garlic Scape Pesto recipe: www.agardenforthehouse.com
With hope, and some trepidation, I headed to the Marshfield Farmer’s Market to see if I could buy garlic scapes, which are young garlic shoots with a very short season. Rise ‘n Shine Farm of Marshfield had them so I was in luck!
Scapes unadorned
I knew some of the guests at the first party were either gluten-free or on the paleo diet (completely grain-free, amongst other restrictions), so I got some lovely cherry tomatoes from the Oakdale Farms and I couldn’t resist the ciabatta bread from the Hearth Wood Fired Bread also at the farmers’ market.
With all my goodies in hand, I headed home to make made Garlic Scape pesto – which I ended up making twice after the first batch was devoured!
Pesto in progress
Garlic Scape Pesto, adapted from A Garden for the House.
•8-10 garlic Scapes, little round knobs of seed-pods removed and discarded, rinsed
•½ Cup slivered almonds (the 2nd time I used sliced almonds and it was fine too.)
•¾ Cup extra virgin olive oil
•¼ Cup shredded Romano cheese (you can use Parmesan as in original recipe)
•Salt and pepper to taste.
Cut up Scapes into 1 inch pieces. Put into bowl of food processor with the almonds, blend for about 30 seconds, until it is mostly smooth. Scrape down sides with a rubber spatula.
With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil and process until well-mixed. Add the cheese, salt and pepper to taste, blending for another few seconds.
Scape pesto with tomatoes
You can eat it right away, but my directions said to chill (which I did) before spreading a good amount on halved cherry tomatoes. The rest of the pesto went in a bowl to be used as a dip for the ciabatta bread. Divine!
The second time I made it, I toasted slices from a baguette and slathered on the pesto. Despite the garlic breath, the pesto was a hit at both parties!
Katherine Rossmoore is a certified health coach, specializing in holistic nutrition for busy professionals and caretakers. www.betterlivingthroughfoods.com. You can also find Better Living Through Foods Health Coaching on Facebook!
