Clean Eating Basil Pesto

I have a confession to make.

I have never made pesto before in life! There I said it.

Every spring I grow my own basil right outside my back door and around this time of year it turns into a magnificent fragrant bush. And yet I have never made pesto... until now. I know shocking isn't it?

I wish someone would have told me sooner what I've been missing out on. There's nothing like fresh pesto with whole grain pasta.

The one thing that got me was how easy it was to make. I always thought it would be some long drawn out process. Boy was I wrong. You basically throw everything into your food processor and presto! ...you have pesto. You probably even have everything you need to make this in your cupboards and pantry already.

This sweet peppery herb has some pretty unique health benefits too...

Nerd alert! It's time for some health facts:

Research has shown that basil has anti-bacterial properties, anti-inflammatory effects, is a very good source of vitamin A & beta-carotene, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, iron, and is a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

Beta-carotene is a very powerful antioxidant that can be converted by the body into vitamin A. It's usually found in dark orange coloured vegetables and fruits, but is also found in high concentrations in certain leafy greens such as spinach, basil, mustard greens and kale. Remember when your mom told you that you would see in the dark if you eat your carrots; well that may have been a lie to get you to eat your veggetables but there is some truth to it. It is essential for good vision, growth and development, and proper immune system function.

Clean Eating Basil Pesto (makes about 3/4 cup)

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Ingredients:

• 3 large cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 3 cups fresh basil
• juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Direction:

1. Pulse garlic and walnuts in a food processor until chopped. Add basil, lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper. Continue to pulse until chopped.
2. With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil and blend until smooth. You may need to stop and scrap the sides down a few times.
3. Add the Parmigiano and blend until all ingredients are combined. 

*Note: This will stay good for up to a week when kept in an air tight container in the refrigerator.

This will be wicked on that whole grain pizza dough I made the other week, recipe here! Panini's, pasta, and pizza OH MY!

The other night when I came home from the gym I tried it as a topper for some chicken that we sauteed up in some olive oil (6 minutes per side on the stove top in a fry pan) it was like gourmet fast food. I think the next time I'll try it in stuffed chicken breast with goat cheese.

FYI. This hardly made a dent in my basil plant.

8 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

I was first introduced to apple cider vinegar at a young age when my grandmother started using it as a natural remedy for her arthritis. She took just a few teaspoons of the stuff everyday and in a short period of time she started to notice her pain was diminishing. Back then of course I had no idea what ACV was, nor did I probably care. But, today when I think back I realize my grandmother was onto something.

Everybody seems to be jumping on the apple cider vinegar band wagon now, myself included. And why not? It has so many wondrous benefits. Its wonderful that such natural remedies for common ailments exist and we don't have to rely on drugs and prescriptions all the time.

The only downside to it is if you take too much it can consequentially thin your blood. That's what happened to my grandma when she started getting nose bleeds. So although it's very good for you shouldn't consume it too often; you'll still reap the many benefits.

Here are 10 benefits of apple cider vinegar:

1. Detoxification
   By drinking ACV diluted with water, it gently removes toxins from your body and liver due to its unique acids and ability to break up mucus within the body. It also encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate waste.
   
   
2. Digestive Aid
   Common indigestion and gastrointestinal discomfort, including heartburn (acid reflux), constipation, and upset stomach caused by certain foods can be alleviated by taking ACV right before meals.
   
   
3. Weight Loss
   Apple cider vinegar stabilizes blood sugar levels and is said to break down fats for your body to use as energy instead of storing them. You must be eating a healthy balanced diet at the same time though; this is no diet fad.
   
   
4. All Natural Wart Remover
   I have personally tried this one myself and I can tell you that it works. Its cheaper than spending $20 or $30 on wart remover kits and it's effective. All you need is some apple cider vinegar, cotton balls or the end of a Q-tip, and band-aids. Every night soak a cotton ball in ACV then apply it to the wart and hold it in place with a band-aid. Leave it on all night and repeat until it is completely gone.
   
   
5. Clear Skin & Shiny Hair
   It also works wonders as a skin toner and can help clear up acne. The acetic acid promotes blood circulation and helps regulate the pH levels in of the skin and body for a healthy alkaline state. Some people believe it also clears their skin when taken orally. Here is a link worth checking out if you're interested in making a skin toner with apple cider vinegar - Making Your Own ACV Toner.
   
   
6. Helps With Arthritic Pain, Stiff Joints
   ACV is rich in essential nutrients know to aid in pain relief due to stiff joint and arthritis including magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron and many more. You can take it orally (1 tsp in water before meals or mixed with a bit of honey and added to a cup of green tea) and you can also apply it to affected areas.
   
   
7. Fights Allergies
   A natural way to relieve itching, sneezing, and stuffiness when taken orally.
   
   
8. Reduce Bad Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure
   When taken orally it has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.

Apple cider vinegar is pretty potent stuff. When I take it I will add a couple of teaspoons to 1 cup of luke warm water to dilute it, which is also easier on the enamel of your teeth.

Common Questions About ACV:

• What brand should I buy?
  Always look for organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar that has "the mother". I like to use Bragg's, which can be bought at many grocery stores including Whole Foods and Zehers. You can also purchase it online here.

• When should I drink it?
  It can be taken anytime, but I prefer to take it first thing in the morning before I eat breakfast and/or before eating a meal.

• What is "the mother"?
  The powerful benefits of apple cider vinegar are found in that cloudy brownish tinged stuff floating towards the bottom of the bottle. This is "the mother" and is formed from the pectin and residue from the apples. It contains all the minerals, enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins.

Remember that apple cider vinegar is just like other vinegars and can be used in all sorts of cooking. It makes a killer addition to marinades and is also great in salad dressings.

Just keep in mind when taking it orally to always dilute it first either with water or juice. If the taste is still too strong you can always add a bit of stevia too.

So like the Buckley's cough medicine says, "It tastes awful. And it works."

If you would like to try apple cider vinegar for whatever is ailing you, I would highly recommend Bragg's brand, It's made from certified organic apples and has the "mother". I would love to hear if you have tried ACV and experienced positive results.