{A Little Pesto & Hummus}

It's a dip day! I recently joined a CSA and in my first box I received a bunch of fresh beautiful Basil.  First thought, Pesto! My first attempt at the dip, it actually turned out well.  It is so easy to make!   A delicious little spread to spice up any dish or a yummy dip for gluten-free crackers, Pesto can be used in so many ways.  

My husband loves Hummus and so I decided to give it a shot as well today.  Another simple creation, it's mostly Chick Peas and spices!  I had fun trying different combinations, but ended up with a Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Hummus. I didn't keep track of the ingredients well enough to share with you, so this one will have to go without a recipe.   I hope you can enjoy the pesto! 

{Pesto}

1/2 cup Pine Nuts  

2 1/2 cups fresh Organic Basil

1-2 cloves of fresh Garlic

Sea Salt to taste

1/4 - 1/2 cup Olive Oil

Blend in a Food Processor.  Then add up to 1/2 cup of Olive Oil while pulsing, stopping when you reach your desired consistency.   Refrigerate and serve! 

{Strawberries and Cream}

Sometimes I just love the sweet simplicity of fruit.  This month ripe Strawberries have my attention. With their pure, divine flavor, they are simply a fruit like no other.  We have many local strawberry fields here in Carlsbad, so I'm a bit spoiled.  At the farmers' market it's common to see boxes and boxes of organic ruby-red Strawberries, plump with juice and goodness.  So, it's no surprise that they are a summer constant in my fridge!

 I love to try new food combinations and pairings whenever I get the chance and just the other day I brought home a new delicious Goat Chevre from Trader Joe's.  I quickly decided it needed to be tried with the Strawberries.  The result: mouth-watering perfection.  This little combo has proved to be a perfect treat and easy dessert for any summer party!

{Strawberries and Cream}

Bowl of fresh ripe organic Strawberries
Honey Goat Chevre (Trader Joe's)
Gluten-Free Rice Crackers (Trader Joe's)

I've tried this numerous times now and actually have two ways of enjoying this treat!
One: Wash and cut the tops of your Strawberries and dip straight into a little bowl of Honey Chevre.
Two: Spread the Honey Chevre on Gluten-Free Rice Crackers, then thinly slice your Strawberries and arrange on them each Cracker.  Voila!

Enjoy!