Spinach-Walnut Pesto

My boys love to make spinach-walnut pesto and after a day of chasing them around and picking up toys over and over again I'm happy to let them help! Since all they have to do is add all of the ingredients into the food processor and zip it's an easy and fun way to get them involved in the kitchen. They don't follow the recipe exactly but it turns out great every time and they are very proud of themselves!

I also can't stop them from sticking their little fingers in the bowl to taste their creation which I don't mind since this pesto packs a lot of healthy antioxidants and omege-3 fatty acids! They pick a new pasta shape each time to make the dish exactly what they want! Today they picked shell pasta. Very simple and kid friendly!

Spinach-Walnut Pesto
4 c. fresh spinach, packed
1/2 c. walnut halves or pieces
1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped
1/2 c. parmesan cheese, shredded
olive oil - approximately 1/4 cup
salt to taste

In a food processor add spinach, walnuts, garlic, and parmesan and pulse until walnuts are roughly chopped.

Turn food processor on and stream in olive oil until pesto comes together to form a paste like consistency. Add salt to taste. Makes approximately one cup of pesto - enough to feed four hungry mouths!

Toss with your favorite pasta - hot out of the colander. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.