Five Herb Pesto

Last week we updated the collection at QUITOKEETO, for summer, and sprinkled some new recipes across the shop site as well. One of the recipes I did was this simple twist on a classic pesto. It starts with toasted coriander seeds smashed with garlic and salt, before you work in almonds and lots of lemon zest. I chose a mix of fresh basil, arugula, oregano, chives as the blend of herbs, and immediately noted how much I Iike the chives for their strength and fragrance. There's lots of grated Pecorino cheese, and a final thinning with good olive oil. Bright, summery, and a offbeat - it's all the things I love. It looks familiar, like a straight-ahead basil pesto, and then takes you a bit by surprise. Anyhow, it's easy, and I thought you might give it a try. And if not this one, perhaps one of the other recipes.

Other new recipes in the QK archive:
- Milk & Honeydew Granita
- Cultured Honeydew Butter (you can make it with honey as well!)
- Tomato Buttermilk Dressing
- White Peach Maple Soda

Welcome summer! -h
p.s. I'm sure a number of you will ask about the mortar & pestle. It sold out quickly, but we should be getting another 100 to list by next Monday (thank you Magnus!). An email will go out if you're on the QK mailing list. xo

Salad Booster

I often carry a small vial of this spiced kale and nori medley in my purse, refilling it every few days. I got the idea years back when I saw the words "salad booster" on a jar in the spice section of one of the natural foods stores I frequent. The seasoning was a blend of a few types of seaweed, sprouted seeds, and the like. Nutrient-dense and delicious, you'd use it as a healthful seasoning for salad, vegetables, stir-fries - whatever you like. The idea stuck with me and I started making my own, usually using a toasted nori and kale base. From there I'd add nuts and/or seeds, and whatever spices I was craving at the time. I'll include my base recipe down below, but really, think of it as a jumping off point.

I'm going to encourage you to embrace this seasoning enthusiastically. You don't want to skimp. A pinch isn't really the spirit, really go for it. I use a couple teaspoons on a rice bowl, same goes for a good-sized salad or stir-fry. Also, it's a nice little treat to hand off to friends :)