August Happy Hippy Mama

Hi All-

Happy Summer!  It is safe to say summer is finally here!  It certainly warmed up and dried out (for the most part) these past few weeks.  My family has been spending lots of days in the summer sun and at the pool! I am ever thankful for the VItamin D and memories we are making.  I hope you all have enjoyed the weather and stayed cool.

I was ever hopeful we would get our big garden in this year.  Our family manages the community garden at East Shore Methodist Church on Lakeshore Blvd. (across from Sims Park.)  Last year was our first year, we had a wonderful time, but not such a great harvest thanks to the deer. An Eagle Scout Candidate offered to help us with this problem and gave our garden a much needed face lift as a part of his Eagle project.  He removed our old raised beds and turned the space into one large bed with a nice 4 ft. fence surrounding it. It was a wonderful renovation and will make gardening in the space much easier. That being said the work combined with the heavy rain we sadly did not get much of anything done in the space this year.  Lucky for us we are of the Cleveland mentality, and we know “there is always next year. “

We were able to put in our very small garden at home and planted a few tomato and pepper plants as well as my favorite herb, basil.  I love growing basil for two reasons. First it is easy (LOL) and second I can make pesto with it! Fresh pesto is one of my absolute favorite summer treats.  I make up batches and then freeze some so we can enjoy it all summer long. I put the pesto on chicken, pasta, gluten free pasta, veggies, eggs, bread, crackers, and pretty much anything else I eat. :)  

Growing and then making this pesto is a summer ritual that gives me peace and comfort.  I pause and breathe in the summer as I am doing it. Careful to remember in a few short months it will be cold, and I will have to be using my freezer rations instead of making it fresh.  I thought I would share my two favorite pesto recipes here. If you are growing basil this summer, your harvest should be heavy right now. Give one of them a try and let me know what you think. 

To continue the conversation or if you have any questions please feel free to email me at:  HappyHippyMama@yahoo.com or visit us on Facebook at: Happy Hippy Mama.

Easy Peasy Pesto

 Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (no stems)

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts                                                                                                                                                                                       

• 2 large cloves garlic                                                                                                                                                                       

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.  With the machine running slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth. Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Paleo Whole30 Basil Pesto

Ingredients

·         2 cups fresh basil

·         1/3 cup walnuts

·         2 garlic cloves

·         1/4 cup olive oil

·          1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:                                                                                                                                                                                                     

In a medium glass measuring cup or Mason jar, add basil, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and lemon juice.   Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. This should only take about 1 minute. Store in a jar in the fridge. Keeps for 1-2 weeks. 

This Months Mantra: 

I am attracting all the love I dream of and deserve.

Community Mental Health Group:

Grief and Loss Meetup                                                                                                                                           

Room 104 East Shore Church 23002 Lakeshore Blvd.   Euclid, OH 44123

Every Monday                                                                                                                                                                   

7:30 pm                                                                                                                                                                        

Questions: Contact Emily Holody at 330-256-6641

I hope you all have a lovely month with lots of blessings.  

Until next time...Namaste