The Perfect Pesto

What’s in it

·       2 cups basil

·       1/3 cup pine nuts

·       3 cloves garlic

·       ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

·       ½ cup parmesan cheese

·       ½ t sea salt

·       Black pepper to taste

Optional – if you have any fresh parsley add a handful along with the basil. You can also substitute walnuts for pine nuts, and 1 t of nutritional yeast will add to the taste as well as the nutrient profile.

How to Make it

1.     Combine basil leaves, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.

2.     With the machine running, slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.

3.     Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine.

4.     Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze,

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, benefits the stomach during digestion and can provide immediate relief from gas, stomach cramps, and nausea. Basil is a rich source of magnesium and is also highly antibacterial and antiviral. Pine nuts are packed with a ton of essential vitamins and minerals (E, K, zinc, magnesium), and, and pine nuts are associated with weight loss and healthy weight management the healthy fat found in pine nuts actually helps improve satiety (the feeling of being full). Research consistently shows a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels when pine nuts are introduced into the diet. Garlic has strong antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, is high in vitamin C and B-6 as well as the minerals selenium, calcium, iron and copper.

Rosemary Butter

WHAT’S IN IT

·       4 T grass fed butter (at room temperature)

·       1 T fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

·       1 clove garlic, minced

·       Ground black pepper

HOW TO MAKE IT

1.     Cream butter until softened

2.     Blend in rosemary and garlic, and a pinch black pepper (more to your taste)

3.     Place the butter on a sheet of parchment paper and shape into a log

4.     Refrigerate until firm

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Rosemary is known for its ability to improve memory, promote hair growth, relieve muscle aches and pains, improve cognitive function, and can strengthen digestion and improve circulation. Rosemary also possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. Garlic has strong  antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral properties, is high in vitamin C ad B6 as well as the minerals selenium, calcium and copper. The likelihood of blood vessel damage sue to chronic inflammation has been shown to decrease when garlic is consumed on a regular basis., and garlic is one of the most powerful foods to lower the risk of cancer.

 

Rosemary Induced Olive Oil

WHAT’S IN IT

•  ¼ cup fresh rosemary leaves

•  1 cup extra virgin olive oil

HOW TO MAKE IT

1.     Rinse rosemary leaves and let dry.

2.     Strip the leaves from the stem.

3.     Using the back of a spoon, slightly bruise the leaves to release oils.

4.     Put the leaves and oil in a saucepan and warm on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Do not allow the oil to reach a simmer.

5.     Turn off the heat and let the oil sit for at least an hour (the longer the more intense).

6.     Strain oil into a clean glass jar and store in a cool, dry cabinet for 3 months.

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Rosemary is known for its ability to improve memory, promote hair growth, relieve muscle aches and pains, improve cognitive function and can strengthen digestion and improve circulation. Rosemary also possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties.  Extra Virgin Olive oil contains oleocanthal which has properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. EVOO helps keep blood pressure low and prevent LDL oxidation, and has a monounsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid which is heart-healthy and helps fight free radical damage