before moving south, i spent a few years as an organic farmer. our farm grew a ton of garlic. each spring we would harvest the garlic scapes which will eventually turn into flowers. you do this so the garlic plant will focus it's energy on the garlic bulb rather than the flower. the scapes are quite lovely on their own and so tasty prepared. i think i have made just about everything with garlic scapes but this pesto is one of my favorites. the scapes add a little kick that regular old garlic doesn't always deliver.
ingredients
6-8 garlic scapes
3 handfuls of basil leaves
olive oil
4 oz pine nuts
1/4 cup parmesan
directions
-using the top 10 inches or so of the scape, dice them into 1 inch pieces
-put all ingredients into a food processor
-turn on and add more olive oil as needed
-salt to taste
i tossed the pesto in with some roasted potatoes....a made a perfect spring side dish!
photos and recipe by kristen bach