Spicy Cilantro Pesto | Made by Meaghan Moineau

Title: A Zesty Twist on Tradition: Spicy Cilantro Pesto Recipe
Description: Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Spicy Cilantro Pesto, a modern twist on a classic favorite. This cilantro-based pesto, enriched with a hint of chili, is sure to awaken your taste buds. Perfect as an appetizer or a vibrant addition to your main dishes, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.

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A Zesty Twist on Tradition: Spicy Cilantro Pesto Recipe

If you've ever found yourself yearning for a dish that combines the freshness of herbs with a hint of heat, our Spicy Cilantro Pesto is exactly what you need. This versatile recipe brings a contemporary twist to the traditional basil pesto, infusing it with the lively flavors of cilantro and a subtle kick of chili. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, this dish is simple to prepare and offers an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients:

- Fresh cilantro

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder

- 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by placing fresh cilantro in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.

2. Add garlic, sea salt, pepitas, and mild chili powder to the processor. Chop until well blended.

3. Using an attachment for adding liquids, slowly incorporate olive oil drop by drop while the food processor is running. This will form a thick, aromatic paste.

4. Once combined, scoop the vibrant green pesto into pint jars.

5. Store in the refrigerator for regular use or freeze for long-term storage.

Nostalgic Family Memory:

This Spicy Cilantro Pesto always takes me back to the summers spent in my grandmother's garden. I remember the hours we spent picking fresh herbs, the sun warming our backs, and the air filled with the intoxicating scent of nature. My grandmother, an inspiring cook, used to prepare a similar pesto with whatever fresh ingredients she could find. Her kitchen was always alive with the sound of the food processor whirring and the smell of garlic mingling with herbs.

One summer night, we decided to experiment by adding a touch of mild chili powder, something my grandmother had never done before. The result was a pesto that had a delightful kick, a combination of her traditional recipe and our modern twist. It became a family favorite, a symbol of our culinary adventures together. Even now, as I prepare this dish, I feel her presence, guiding my hands, and hear her laughter echoing in the kitchen.

Difficulty: 3/10

Classification: Appetizer

This Spicy Cilantro Pesto is not just a dish; it's a journey back to cherished family moments and a testament to the joy of combining tradition with innovation. Whether spread over warm bread, tossed with pasta, or used as a zesty dip, it's bound to become a staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy the spicy, aromatic flavors and maybe create a few nostalgic memories of your own along the way.

Almond Butter and Chocolate Squares | Made by Meaghan Moineau

**Title: Nostalgic Indulgence: Almond Butter and Chocolate Squares**

**Description:** Dive into a world of delectable nostalgia with our Almond Butter and Chocolate Squares. This vegan dessert is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a heartwarming journey into cherished family memories.

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There's something undeniably magical about the combination of almond butter and chocolate. It's as if they were destined to be together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey down memory lane, as I share a recipe that's become a beloved tradition in my family: Almond Butter and Chocolate Squares.

**Ingredients:**

- Vegan butter

- Powdered sugar

- Vegan vanilla cookie crumbs

- Canned almond butter

- Dark vegan chocolate

**Instructions:**

1. Stir the melted vegan butter, powdered sugar, vegan vanilla cookie crumbs, and canned almond butter together until all of the ingredients are perfectly incorporated.

2. Line a 9 x 13-inch dish with foil, ensuring to drape the foil over the sides for easy removal once the bars set.

3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish.

4. Melt the dark vegan chocolate in a double boiler and spread it generously over the almond butter mixture.

5. While the chocolate is still warm, cut the bars to desired sizes.

6. Allow the bars to set for at least an hour before serving.

**A Nostalgic Family Memory:**

As I prepare this delightful dessert, I'm transported back to my grandmother's cozy kitchen. The aroma of chocolate and almond wafting through the air always signaled a special occasion. My grandmother, a culinary enthusiast, believed that food was not just sustenance but a way to bring people together.

Every year, during the holiday season, our family would gather in her warm, welcoming home. The dining table would be laden with an array of dishes, but the Almond Butter and Chocolate Squares were always the highlight. I remember being a child, eagerly watching my grandmother as she skillfully prepared the mixture, her hands moving with practiced ease. She would let me spread the chocolate over the almond butter layer — a task I took very seriously, knowing it was the final touch to this culinary masterpiece.

The first bite was always the best: the rich, creamy almond butter mingling with the deep, luscious chocolate, creating a taste that lingered long after the squares were gone. These squares became a symbol of love and togetherness, a reminder of the warmth and joy that family brings.

**Difficulty Rating:** 3/10

**Classification:** Dessert

Incorporating this recipe into your repertoire not only guarantees a delicious treat but also an opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this simple yet satisfying recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients, and let's create a dessert that's as rich in flavor as it is in family tradition.

Category: condiment