Memory Lane Inspired Whole Wheat Pesto Cookies





I have a very unique memory. Some people say I remember things in way too much detail. Like the way I remember what people were wearing when we were together or what music was playing. So, maybe it is not any surprise that one of my favorite ways of remembering people is through food. I'm amazed at how many people and foods I can connect together. For example, when my husband I were dating he took me up to Louisville to visit his grandmother. Before we left he warned me not to take a snack for the car ride but that she would have snacks for us. After we arrived she pulled from the oven these dainty cheese cookies and placed a few in front of me, to which she smiled and told me to eat up! Ah, I can just taste them now melting in my mouth. My kitchen could be thought of as my "memory lane". The place where I go for inspiration.

Does anyone else have a "memory lane" like this? If so, give us some examples. Have you ever written them down and gathered recipes or photos to match? I have considered making a journal/recipe book just for my aging mind and for my girls to enjoy.

So, these cookies are inspired from a memory of her cookies. Hers are made with cheddar cheese and I believe she adds a little cayenne pepper to them as well. Then she adds a pecan to top off the taste of the cookie. But, since I just love pesto and my basil is in full bloom, I thought it might be unique to twist these flavors together into a savory cookie. I was a little hesitant to use whole wheat flour, but was pleased with the results. Next time I might add a little pepper to add some spice. See what you think. 




Whole Wheat Pesto Cookies
Makes 2 dozen
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 stick of unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup basil, minced

Directions:

In large bowl let cheese and butter come to room temperature. When ready, add flour and salt and stir until combined. Add garlic and basil and carefully mix in, just make sure not to over stir. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a silver dollar size. Using a very sharp knife, or string, cut dough to 1/2 inch thick and place on cookie sheet. Freeze cookies for about 30 minutes while heating oven to 350 degrees. When ready, bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Green Power Pack Smoothie: Kid Approved!!

Sneaky- NO! Not at all, that's just not my style and with this green drink how can you even think about pretending you are slipping a vegetable by your child. HA! Instead, it's all about showing them how foods can take on different flavors when combined. Pretty cool. Think of it as a science experiment!

Just the other day when I realized ---Alleluia, I didn't have to fix lunches anymore-- but I was still partially responsible for feeding my girls over the summer. The partial thing implies that my husband will be playing Daddy Daycare this summer while I hide out in my office slaving away at work and he gets to tote the girls around to camps and other outings. Oh- and he has the responsibility for preparing lunches too. Don't worry though, I have a very health conscience husband that will put a lots of thinking into the lunches instead of just pulling up to the nearest drive-thru.

Anyway, I was thinking about how it might be helpful to get the girls started off with a nutritious power punch in the morning! Can't you tell just by the lovely green color how powerful this smoothie really is- (laughingly). No really, it is! And trust me on this one, the taste is nothing like it's appearance. It's got this smooth texture with a tart punch at the end with the creamy mango finish. No comparison to the dry flavor of the plain spinach leaf. Yes, dry. Haven't you ever noticed how spinach by it's self leaves your tongue rough and dry? Please tell me I'm not crazy. If you just absolutely hate spinach or don't have any on hand- you can use other greens instead. Baby beet greens are a great alternative.

Green Power Pack Smoothie

2 cups spinach leaves, stems removed
1 frozen banana, broken in half
1 cup mango, fresh or frozen
1 cup plain low fat yogurt
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup ground flax seeds

Directions:

Scoop in yogurt, then spinach, banana and mango. Pulse. Next, add juice and flax seeds and blend until smooth!

Fast and healthy!

Kitchen Play Event with Zespri Kiwis: Kiwi Avocado Bruschetta

Ah! Summer is almost here and you know what that means…warm sunny days, late night walks and of course, fresh fruits and vegetables galore! I have so many favorites that sometimes it’s hard to choose what to eat! But, one of my favorite fruits and something I like to have on hand for my family as snacks, are kiwis. Thanks to Casey over at Kitchen Play, and her innovative way to share recipes and ideas through her Progressive Party and along with Zespri, one of the #1 sellers of kiwis in the world with not only a fine fruit to sell but a respectable and ecologically sustainable growing method as well- I get to share with you one of my all time alternatives for kiwis!


So, instead of just slicing your kiwi up for a fruit salad, or cutting off the top and spooning it out with a spoon, one of my favorite ways to eat it, instead, serve it up as an appetizer with this Kiwi Avocado Bruschetta! YUM!



Kiwi Avocado Bruschetta

1 French baguette
2 tbsp butter
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Your favorite salsa (amount varies depending on how many servings you are making)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp coarse sea salt
1 kiwi, peeled and diced
1 ripe avocado, diced

Directions:
Heat oven to low broil or heat your grill to low. In a small microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Slice bread into 1 inch slices and brush melted butter on top. In a small bowl add kiwi and avocado and about 1 tbsp of lime juice and toss. Sprinkle with sea salt and set aside.

Slice cheese into ½ inch slices and place on bread. Spoon a very small amount of salsa on top of cheese and heat under broiler or on grill until cheese bubbles. Remove from oven or grill and immediately top with kiwi avocado mixture and serve!

Note: This post was sponsored by KitchenPlay & Zespri Kiwifriut.

Check out the other Kiwifruit menu items!

Each month Kitchen Play also features a contest to involve as many additional bloggers as possible. Visit the Contest page at Kitchen PLAY for more details on how you could win $100 for trying this recipe and posting about it.