Ramp Pesto

I love spring… it is beyond exciting! The days grow longer, the buds are starting to bloom & a new wave of produce begins to grow. The best indication that spring has sprung is the appearance of ramps. Nutrient rich, this vegetable has a distinct onion & garlic flavor. Unfortunately their season is short, but sweet! Below is a great pesto recipe to honor the ramp. It can be eaten right away, of course, or frozen for later use.

Ingredients:
1. 1 bunch ramps
2. 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
3. 1/4 cup parmesan
4. 2/3 cup olive oil
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. Bowl of ice water for blanching

Recipes:
1. Bring 6 cups salted water to a boil.
2. Blanche ramps and and plunge into ice water to prevent from cooking. Drain and squeeze extra moisture out.
3. Add ramps, sunflower seeds, parmesan to the food processor and pulse until ground fine
4. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle olive oil until saucey.
5. Use this for pasta or your favorite sandwich.