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.
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.
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.