Garlic Scape Pesto with Almonds

Almonds are a terrific compliment to this delicious pesto, made with summer garlic scapes, as they are milder in flavour than traditional pine nuts. It may seem like a lot of garlic scapes, but they have a milder flavour than a clove of garlic. Use this pesto for a myriad of uses – including as a sauce for pasta, in salad dressings, as sandwich spread, on fish and chicken, even in bread….and the list goes on!

• 10 garlic scapes or more
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Several good pinches of salt
• About ½ cup or more good quality olive oil

Trim the garlic scapes of any leaves. Leave the bud on, if you wish. Chop roughly. Add to a blender jar. Then add the remaining ingredients. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice, if necessary. Add additional olive oil to reach the desired consistency.