Wild Wild

Dandelion Greens Pesto

Put some wild in your pesto spread.

Put some wild in your pesto spread. The added dandelion greens make a lighter, bitterer tasting version of a classic cheese-free pesto. Up the ratio of greens to other ingredients if you desire an even lighter, less rich pesto. Makes about 3/4 cup.

  • 1/2 cup raw pine nuts

  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, plucked and chopped

  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 2-3 cups chopped dandelion greens

  • Juice from 1/2 lemon

Combine pine nuts with basil, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor.

Once blended, incorporate dandelion greens and more oil and salt as needed to create desired texture and flavor. Blend in juice from 1/2 lemon.

Pesto may be frozen for up to 1 year, refrigerated for up to 1 week, or used immediately.

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Plant-forward Plant-forward

Cauliflower Flatbread

Herbal cruciferous goodness.

Trade in refined carbohydrates for a boost of antioxidants and fiber with this versatile side dish that can also be used as a pizza crust. Serves 4 as an appetizer.

  • 3 cups cauliflower (about 1 medium head)

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for greasing baking sheet

  • 1/2 cup shallot, minced (about 2 bulbs)

  • 2 eggs

  • 3/4 cup grated soft cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda

  • Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried herbs or 1/2 cup fresh minced herbs (or a combination of fresh and dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, tarragon, chervil, basil, oregano)

  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh basil is the perfect accompaniment.

Fresh basil is the perfect accompaniment.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Steam cauliflower until soft (about 5 minutes) and drain completely. By hand or Using a fork, food processor or immersion blender, mince cauliflower until you have achieved a crumbly texture.

Cook shallot in 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add shallot to cauliflower mix.

Stir 1/2 cup of the cheese and all of the herbs, salt, and pepper into the cauliflower mixture. Add eggs and mix in until a batter has formed.

Spread dough into a rectangle, about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick, on top of a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.

Turn oven to broil, scatter remaining cheese over top of cooked cauliflower bread and broil another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Allow bread to cool slightly, slice, and serve. Goes well with a dipping sauce such as romesco, marinara, or pesto.

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