Spinach Pesto

I planted spinach in my garden for the first time this year, I have done various lettuce types before but I was ready for something different. But what to do with all the spinach? Pesto! 


I googled some recipes and made my own based on them all kinda mixed together.


I filled a bowl with fresh picked spinach leaves and about 6 sprigs of fresh parsley, and a handful of fresh garden garlic.



Added 1/3 cup of pine nuts and about the same of parmesan cheese.


Pureeing everything in my magic bullet, adding some olive oil (around 2/3 cup), it took a few batches and a larger food processor would be easier but not necessary.


and voila! vibrant green puree goodness.

Since this was way too much for one meal - and I don't like eating the same thing too many meals in a row, so i spooned it into an ice cube tray and put it in the freezer.

Now I have a container in the freezer with spinach pesto portions ready to go.  

I made this about a week ago and then a few nights ago didn't know what to eat, I boiled some gnocchi, when it was in the strainer, I melted the pesto cube with some olive oil and when

it was done, mixed it back in with the gnocchi. 

Topped with more cheese and nuts and delish!

I am planning on doing something similar with nasturtium leaves and basil, also whatever nuts I have in the cupboard (almonds, walnuts, I imagine anything will work) and if you don't have the cheese on hand you can just add it when you make the final meal.

Any other suggestions for varieties?

- Lauren