yummy time

here are some recipes. they're super good!

pesto -
8 sun-dried tomoato pieces, not packed in oil
1/2 c. water2 cloves garlic
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach
1/2 c. shelled walnut pieces
1/2 c. already grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 c. sliced black olives
1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil

place the sun-dried tomoatoes in a 2-cup glass measure and add the water. microwave 1 1/2 minutes, covered on high, or until the water boils. remove tomoateos from microwave and let them stand in the water to soften, about 5 minutes.

place peeled garlic in food processor, process until minced, about 30 seconds.
microwave frozen spinach for 5 minutes.

add walnuts to the processor with the garlic and pulse until the nuts are finely chopped, about 1 minute. add parmesan, basil, and salt into the processor.

drain tomatoes, add them, along with thawed spinach and its juice, and the olives. process until finely chopped, stopping once to scrape the sides of the bowl. then scrape again. then with the motor running (and cover back on), slowly add the oil (in a thin stream) thru the feed tube. continue to process until thoroughly combined (about 30 seconds). if you want it a little thinner, add water, a tablespoon at a time. (i've been adding about 3-5 T of water). soooo good.
put it on spaghetti or other pasta. we've also been spreading the pesto on frech bread and then putting the bread in the oven for about 10 minutes. good stuff.

taco salads (so good) -
tortillas
chili powder
1 lb (ish) lean ground beef
1 c. match-like carrot sticks
3/4 c. chunky salsa
2 T mayo (light if you want)
Salad
tomato (if you want)
shredded mexican style cheese
fresh cilantro

heat the oven to 425. Crumple large sheets of foil to make balls; place on baking sheet. place 1 tortilla on top of each ball (we made 4 tortillas). spray each tortilla with cooking spray, then sprinkle a bit of chili powder over them. bake 6-8 minutes or until tops are golden brown. (the tortillas will drape over the balls as they bake.)

brown meat with carrots and about 1T chili powder. after it's browned, add 1/2 c. salsa; cook 2 minutes or until heated thru.

mix mayo and 1/4 c. salsa in large bowl. add salad and tomatoes; toss to coat. spoon into tortilla shells; top with meat; cheese, and cilantro.
very good.