It's Summer....Pesto Time!

Right now our garden is filled with bright green, beautiful basil. I love this stuff! Basil is by far one of my favorite herbs. When I have this much of it I always make lots of pesto...also one of my favorite things. I truly believe that a good pesto would make even the sole of a shoe taste good! ; ) It is fast and easy and you can do so many things with it. This recipe is easily enough for two pounds of pasta or at least four pizzas or maybe a couple of pizzas and a potato salad...what ever your heart desires. You can freeze what ever portion you don't use right away for future use. Thank goodness because I plan on making a lot!



























Fresh Summer Pesto

2 cups packed fresh basil
1 cup packed fresh baby spinach or kale (could use 1/2 cup frozen in a pinch)
1/2 cup raw cashews
2 T mellow white miso (or to taste)
2 cloves fresh garlic
3 T extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Throw all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. If pesto is too thick add a bit of water while processing until you reach your desired consistency.

Health Benefits of Pesto -

The flavonoids in basil protect cell and chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. Basil's volatile oils also have anti-bacterial properties that protect against unwanted bacterial growth. The oils also have an anti-inflammatory effect. It seems to block the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). This is the same enzyme that over-the-counter NSAIDS block. Due to its vitamin A abundance it is also good for your heart by preventing free radicals from oxidizing in cholesterol...which is when it becomes sticky! Heart healthy as well as delicious!

Miso is high in zinc which is needed for a healthy immune system and wound healing. It also has a good supply of copper and manganese which are needed in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Copper also contributes to the flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints and produce the skin and hair pigment melanin. Without copper, iron cannot be properly utilized in red blood cells. Eating miso has also been linked to lower instances of breast cancer.

Cashews are packed with 5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup and high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese...so a very good nut to crack...haha! With many of the same minerals as miso cashews already pack a nutritional punch but they also have magnesium, a heart healthy mineral, which also protects against high blood pressure, muscle spasms and soreness as well as migraine headaches.

Garlic is one of those super foods. You know the foods that everyone is always talking about? Some of the many benefits are the strengthening the immune system. (eat a clove of garlic when you feel a cold coming and it just might prevent it from catching hold) It's anti-oxidant properties help fight cancer and cancerous tumors. Science has proven that garlic contains compounds which have anti-tumor properties and help in slowing the growth of tumors and can also reduce their size! Garlic is heart healthy in many ways including helping to reduce cholesterol levels. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral... making it great for yeast infections, intestinal parasites and someone just trying to build their immune system and stay healthy. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac! Garlic produces an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide synthase is necessary to get an erection. Garlic stimulates the production of this enzyme in people who have lower levels of it. Who needs Viagra?!

Raw spinach is an excellent source of fiber, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Like basil spinach is loaded with cancer fighting flavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also heart healthy and an immune booster. Spinach also is a good source of vitamin k which is important for bone health, and in keeping the myelin sheath around our nerves in our brain healthy.

EAT PESTO!!!