Fresh Dill and Spinach Pesto

Fresh Dill and Spinach Pesto

5 garlic cloves minced
1 cup (more or less)  olive oil
1 large bunch of spinach chopped medium, large stems removed
1 large bunch of fresh dill chopped medium
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon aji ammarillo ground pepper or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup nuts of your choice, chopped fine

Yes, fresh dill and spinach are an unlikely pair for pesto, but both are very good for your health especially when used fresh. I had both in my CSA (community shared agriculture) box for this week. Add about 1/4 cup of the olive oil and then the minced garlic to a blender. Whirl till creamy and frothy. Add lemon juice and small amounts of the spinach till blended. Alternate with the chopped dill. Add the spices and nuts and blend till smooth or leave slightly chunky if you prefer. Pesto freezes very well and there is nothing better over your favorite pasta. Try it out you might like it.

Native Red Maple Seeds

Native Red Maple Seeds

Happenings in the Garden

Blue Bunting

Variegated Yucca in Bloom

Red Finch

Goldfinch

Mourning Dove

Red Hot Poker

Bird Bill Day Flower

Paprika Yarrow

Purple Salvia

The last of our vegetables are planted in raised bins and
we enjoyed everyone of the birds and flowers above.

Caramelized Apples

Caramelized Apples

2 large tart green applies, peeled and cored
scant amount of lemon or orange juice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground anise seeds, not with pods
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon dehydrated orange peel
2 tablespoons orange liquor (optional)

Peel and core apples. Cut into bite pieces or slices depending upon what you wish to use them for. Toss in a little lemon or orange juice to keep them from browning. Sprinkle in all the spices and orange peel and set aside. Melt the butter then add the brown sugar. Get the mixture bubbly and add the apple mixture. Cook on medium till apples are soft and mixture is thickened. Add the orange liquor and cook for two more minutes. Serve over pancakes, waffles, or perhaps pork chops or roast. Enjoy!