Recipes

Serves 4 (or more if you make crostini)

Ingredients

2 cups baby arugula leaves

1 small garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup grated Dry Jack* cheese or other hard aged cheese

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 slices French bread, lightly toasted

2 large avocados, peeled, pitted and cut into small cubes

1 English cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

1 piece (about 2 ounces) Dry Jack cheese, for shaving

*Dry Jack refers to the aged version of this classic California cheese-my favorite is from Vella Cheese Co.

Preparation

Place the arugula, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cheese, nuts and salt into a food processor and process for ten seconds.

Using a spatula, scrape down the sides and process again for ten seconds.

For each serving, place two pieces of toasted bread on a plate. Spread pesto generously on each slice.

Cover pesto with a layer of cucumber slices and top with avocado cubes.

Use a vegetable peeler to shave desired amount of Dry Jack cheese over the tops.

Note: if you want to do these as crostini on smaller pieces of toasted French bread just downsize the amounts-and you’ll have enough for a party platter!