Garlic Scape Pesto

These, my friends, are some of my new favorite things--garlic scapes.

This summer I'm working as the Garden Intern for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank here in Bloomington, IN. When we were checking our garlic a few days ago, we learned to our surprise that we have a hard neck variety of garlic, which shoots out these curly, whimsical scapes as the garlic develops. We snipped the scapes off so that the plant would focus its energy on the bulb below. 

Turns out, scapes make excellent pesto. Spicy, but subtle. 

Ingredients

2 c scapes (bulbs trimmed off)

1/2 c Parmesan 

1/2 c toasted walnuts (pine nuts/pecans)

1/2 c extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, chop scapes, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and walnuts until finely minced. Drizzle in oil while machine is on. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This keeps well refrigerated for 1-2 weeks. I froze half in cubes. Serve over pasta, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a crusty piece of bread.  You really can't go wrong here. 

Hummus

Hummus is so good, but buying it at the store can get expensive ($3 or 4). Making it from scratch is easy, cheap ($1, maybe?), and fun. The cheapest way is to buy your chickpeas (garbanzo) dried and cook them yourself. You can also buy a can of them for about 66 cents. Add whatever you like to this base recipe- artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, extra garlic. I like mine spicy.

Adapted from Alton Brown:

• 1 tsp. chopped garlic
  
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained)
• 2-3 tbsp. reserved cooking water (or tap)
  
• 1 tbsp. smooth peanut butter
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice (From concentrate is cheapest!)
  
• salt, pepper to taste
  
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
• Dash hot sauce (optional)
  

Start with your chickpeas in a food processor or blender. Pulse until chopped up, then add the rest of your ingredients and whirl until smooth. Enjoy with pita bread and fresh veggies. For an authentic look, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle on paprika.