Basil walnut pesto

I've made this pesto 3 or 4 times this summer already - it's amazing spread on hearty whole grain toast and topped with cherry tomatoes.

This recipe is from Vitamix - but I think it would work in a good blender or food processor.

Basil Walnut Pesto

Yield: 1 c (240 ml)

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

2 garlic cloves, peeled

2 cups (80 g) fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup (30 g) walnuts

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

Select Variable 1.

Turn machine on and slowly increase to Variable 7.

Blend for 45 seconds-1 minute, using the tamper to press ingredients into the blades.

Recipe yields enough sauce to coat one pound of pasta

Note - this recipe works better when doubled so that the Vitamix tamper can reach the ingredients - and it's so good you will eat it all up fast!

Homemade Ranch

Store bought ranch is never as good as from scratch. Here is my made up recipe that always tastes super fresh, and it is much healthier too.

Ranch Dressing and Dip

3/4 Cups Sour Cream

3/4 Cups Mayo

1/4 Cup of purple onion (a chunk with the skin off)

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

1/2 Cup fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, dill, and/or parsley

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Blend up in your blender until smooth. Do less lemon juice if you want to make it a dip.

Other things I have used to make up this recipe. Greek yogurt, or cream cheese in place of either the mayo or sour cream. A piece of a red bell pepper instead of the purple onion.