THESE WEEDS (NETTLES) GROW THROUGHOUT THE U.S. YOU CAN DRINK THE NUTRIENT-RICH WATER LIKE TEA, JUST LEAVE OUT THE SALT. TOSS PESTO WITH PASTA, SPREAD ON FISH OR CHICKEN, OR USE AS A DIP FOR RAW VEGTABLES. ENJOY DAN

                             STINGING NETTLES PESTO  by CHEF DAN

Serves 10

INGREDIENTS:

10 cups fresh nettle, blanched in boiling water for 5 minutes, until tender

1/3 cup mint leaves

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2  pine nuts

3 tablespoons  lemon juice

1/3 cup olive oil

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons salt, if using the remaining water for tea don't use the salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.     Place nettles in salted  boiling water and then simmer for 5 minutes, until tender.

2.     Place nettles with  (1) cup of water into food processor and chop finely ( don’t  puree) them. use the remaining nettle water for tea

3.     To the nettles add   mint leaves, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice.

4.     Process until the mixture has form a paste.

5.     With the machine running, pour in the olive oil.

6.     Transfer to a bowl and fold in the cheese.

7.     Taste and  adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

                                        ENJOY DAN:                          hallelujah