I had been adding recipes for a while to a new cookbook so I could find them when I wanted to cook them. In the electronic age, a digital version seems to make more sense, since I can add, amend, advise, adjust, delete, and reconsider as often as I want to and you can access them if and when you please. I've included the recipes from both my original cookbook which many of you have, and additional accumulated recipes that never got published. This isn’t the latest thing or nouvelle cuisine. These recipes are comfort food, good memories, treasured family recipes, and occasional treats as well as many healthier recipes I've grown to like in recent years. I encourage you to add comments, pictures, and favorite recipes to make this a real family cooking spot. It's the next best thing to sharing a meal.






June 29, 2025

Winter Pesto

10 or 12 leaves of Siberian Kale (or whatever kale you grow)
2 Rutabaga leaves
3 Arugula leaves (gives it some zing!!)
5 carrot thinnings--leaves and root
2 Chinese cabbage leaves
1 Giant Red Mustard leaf 
6 or 8 sprigs of flat-leaf Parsley
3 to 4 garlic cloves (or to taste)
About 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, Romano, piquant provolone, or other hard and flavorful cheese
Olive Oil - just enough to moisten the mixture - can also add some orange juice, lemon juice, or water
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash greens and remove heavy spines.  Add to food processor and process while adding olive oil.  Add garlic and walnuts and continue to process until well blended.  Add juice as necessary to make desired consistency.  Stir in cheese. Season to taste.  

Make a great winter pesto with greens from your garden.   Use as a spread, with pasta, with steamed vegetables, over fish--you name it.  Use your imagination!! This pesto does not turn brown when saved in the refrigerator like Basil Pesto does, and the flavors continue to meld and mellow for several days (if it lasts that long).  Use whatever greens you have in your garden--think broccoli, chard, cabbage, collards, and use a few of the spicier greens to add flavor to the mix.   Enjoy!!

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