Creamy Yogurt Pesto

yogurt pesto on crusty multi-grain 

This is an untraditional pesto. The only things similar are the basil leaves and garlic. I like this pesto because it is creamy and a bit tangy. It’s just as versatile, but gives you a slightly different taste. You can use this recipe as a spread or dressing and it also makes an amazing pesto pasta.

Ingredients:

• ~3 loose cups of basil leaves
• ~3/4 cup of walnuts*
• ~1/4 cup of pecans*
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 tbsp of olive oil
• ~1 cup of greek yogurt (I used Fage Total 0%)
• 1/2- 1 tsp of chili flakes (depends on your tolerance)
• salt and pepper to taste

*I wanted to use my extra walnuts and pecans; hence the weird ratio. Feel free to play with the ratio or use different nuts.

Step 1: add your walnuts, pecans and garlic

Step 2: add your basil leaves

Step 3: add everything else

Step 4: blend (I’m using the Ninja)

creamy yogurt pesto (she’s not photogenic)

To Serve:

Step 1: dice some cherry tomatoes

Step 2: toast some bread

photo taken from Healthy Bread in Five Minutes (PBS)

Step 3: serve with some cracked black pepper

I used the whole grain loaf from La Brea Bakery.

serve it alone

with some hummus (learn to make hummus)

or serve it together!

Enjoy!

the everything crouton

everything croutons with whole wheat bread

Croutons are crunchy, delicious and easy to make.

When you buy bread, there always seems to be some weird shaped pieces on the ends. There isn’t anything wrong with the end, but the only reason you would ever touch it is to get to the next slice. Unless you are desperate for bread, you’d probably throw it out. Here is a quick and easy way to make them into a great snack or topping.

How to make your odds and ends popular.

Ingredients:

• Day old bread, bread ends, bread you just don’t feel like eating anymore (I used whole wheat bread)
• Olive Oil
• Seasoning

Seasoning I used (use whatever flavors you enjoy)

• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Trader Joe’s 21 seasoning salute
• Sesame seeds
• Chili flakes
• Fresh ground pepper
• Paprika
• Touch of honey

Step 1: Pre-heat oven to 350°F

Step 2: Cut bread into cubes and toss in a large bowl

Step 3: Drizzle olive oil and add your seasoning then toss

Step 4: Spread your seasoned cubes onto a sheet pan

Step 5: Bake for 15 minutes on the middle rack (toss around 7-8 minute mark)

Step 6: Let it cool for a few minutes then you’re ready to eat!

Enjoy!