Taste of Spring

Spinach and Walnut Pesto

1 1/2 cups firmly packed baby spinach

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (not the powder stuff)

1/4 cup toasted walnuts (broil in oven or heat in microwave, but don't burn!)

1 lg clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

Can also add a little lemon juice and pepper, if desired

Play with it and adjust the seasonings to your taste

In a good blender or food processor combine the spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, garlic and salt.  Cover and blend with several on-off turns 'til a paste forms.  Stop the machine several times and scrape down the sides.

With the machine running slowly, gradually add olive oil and blend to the consistency of soft butter.  You can add a little more oil if you want it more liquidy for pasta or whatever.

I usually end up using a bag of fresh spinach and just add in more accordingly.  Taste as you go! 

Enjoy!!