GREENING YOUR HOLIDAY

‘Green’ has become quite the buzz-word of late.

You can live a Green, eco-friendly lifestyle, taking the time to Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle and remove toxins from the home.

More specifically, you can embrace Green Design by introducing eco-friendly, sustainable products to your home’s interior. This one simple act can ensure clean, fresh air and a healthy living environment for you and your family.

Then there’s the mantra to eat your Greens, relying on lots of leafy greens and vegetables as a mainstay of your diet.

This is even more critical for anyone diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia. But then, leafy greens are important to include in your diet regardless.

There are lots of ways to sneak extra greens into your daily meals, whether adding a handful to a smoothie (it really doesn’t affect the taste, I promise) – or relying on oversized leaves as a wrap, in lieu of bread.

I’ll address that in a future article.

Meantime, here’s another idea for incorporating greens:  an easy home-made Pesto.

I came across this recipe years ago, and have adapted it to my own tastes. It has long been a staple in my fridge.

Pesto not only makes a handy dip, but can also be used as a sauce for pasta.

If you’re in need of a holiday appetizer, try hollowing out cherry tomatoes and stuffing them with a dollop of Pesto – a very pretty presentation indeed!

 

DESIGNER PESTO

Adapted from Shreve Stockton’s “Eating Gluten-Free”

 

3 heaping cups raw spinach, washed & dried*

2 cups parsley, washed & spun dry

1 cup cilantro or basil

 

1 -2 Tbsp Lemon Oil

½ – 1 tsp salt

 

Add the spinach leaves to the bowl of a food processor (or do as I do, and simply fill to the brim, rather than measure). Process a few seconds until thoroughly minced.

Add the parsley, and pulse a few times until processed, then add the cilantro, or basil.

Finally, add the lemon oil & salt and process again until smooth. You’ll know you have the right consistency when the mixture is smooth and glistening.

The flavor is amazing!

 

Use this pesto as a dip, as a sandwich spread, or to flavor pasta.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!