Garlic Scape Pesto

Yield: About 2 1/2 cups

Classic pesto is pounded in a mortar with a pestle, but until I own these fine kitchen tools, I've been throwing all the ingredients in a blender and giving it a whirl. To give the pesto a hand made look, I added minced spinach. The recipe could also be made in a food processor. It is remarkably easy and quick to make, and very forgiving. Feel free to play around with the proportions!

Ingredients:
1 cup garlic scapes, roughly chopped (about 15 scapes)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/2 cup walnuts (or pine nuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, etc)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
optional: 1 cup spinach leaves, minced (or other greens such as parsley, arugula, basil, etc)
salt and pepper to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon salt

Procedure:
Combine scapes, cheese, and nuts to food processor, blendor, or mortar. Process while slowly adding the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in minced greens.