A July treat-- here's my 'so easy to make' Garlic Pesto recipe!

A July treat-- here's my 'so easy to make' Garlic Pesto recipe!

They're here! Gotta love this time of the season! Garlic scapes are in season!

Garlic scapes are the flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. The bud is removed in late June to encourage the garlic bulbs to bulk up.

Harvested garlic scapes at Prairie Road Organic Seed

Scapes are surprisingly tasty and versatile to use in the kitchen; they're delicious! They taste like garlic and can be used in any recipe that calls for garlic. You can chop them into salads or use them as a topping, as you would use scallions.

They can be sauteed lightly and served over pasta or as a side dish. Excellent in salsa, stir fry, fried rice, and as a pizza topping. They can also be pickled!

My MOST favorite use-- an all-time favorite-- is garlic scape pesto. Super easy recipes below!

Basic Garlic Pesto

1 cup garlic scapes (or use 1/2 cup minced garlic)
1/2 to 3/4 cup almonds, cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower meats
3/4 cup olive oil or sunflower oil
1/4 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (more is using minced garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Grind scapes (or minced garlic) and nuts in a food processor while slowly pouring in the oil. Add salt, pepper and parmesan cheese.  Process until well blended.  You can blend to your desired consistency. Eat fresh or freeze for a special winter treat. Freeze into smaller portions for ease of use.  Serve with chips, crackers, or use pesto as a pasta sauce or in stir fries.
 

Basil Garlic Pesto

1 cup garlic scapes (or use 1/2 cup minced garlic)
1/2 to 3/4 cup almonds, cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower meats
3/4 cup olive oil or sunflower oil
1/4 to 1/3 cup basil leaves (more is using minced garlic instead of scapes)
1/4 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (more is using minced garlic)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Follow directions for basic pesto but add basil with nuts.
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Download a copy of the recipes!
Watch our companion YouTube video!
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Enjoy!
Our best to you,
Theresa & Dan