To continue the spring vegetable celebration, find some young green peas and make this vibrantly bright green sweet pea pesto. Young peas are the taste of spring. Crunchy, peppery, sweet. Young peas are not starchy, they are crisp, fresh and slightly sweet. I’m using this sweet pea pesto as an appetizer, but you can also make a wonderful salad with leafy greens including young pea shoot leaves , toss with your favorite vinaigrette, then add a few dollops of fresh ricotta cheese and sweet pea pesto. It’s the perfect spring salad.

From by the bay , wishing you bright spring green food memories!

Maryann

Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini

8 ounces fresh shelled sweet peas or defrosted frozen peas

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

To serve: grilled country bread, shaved parmesan cheese, young pea shoot greens, Maldon Salt

Directions

Boil salted water in a medium saute pan. Blanche the peas in boiling water until the peas start to turn bright green, 10 to 20 seconds. Place in cold water to cool. Remove from water and pat dry. Place peas in food processor. Add cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper and process until well combined, you want the peas to have some texture. Slowly pour olive oil to combine. Place in a covered glass jar. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Serve at room temperature. To assemble the crostini – take the grilled bread, top with shaved parmesan, sprinkle with Maldon Sea Salt and finally top with a sprig of young pea shoots.