Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Raw veggies are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. You may have heard of Raw Food eating - the concept that dramatic health benefits are derived by eating a vegan diet in which food is never heated above 118 degrees. Raw Food is all about living longer by preventing (and even reversing) disease. You don't have to jump in with both feet and turn to an "Raw" lifestyle to reap some great benefits. Baby steps are a great way to start. Kristen Suzanne, noted chef and author of some amazing cookbooks, has provided us with a great recipe incorporating fresh, organic, whole foods to help us dip our foot in the water of Raw eating. For more great recipes, check out Kristen's blog or website.

Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Yield approximately 1 cup

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked

1 - 2 hours in enough water just to cover, reserve soak water

1/2 cup fresh basil, packed

1/4 cup pine nuts

1 teaspoon garlic, pressed

1 teaspoon Himalayan crystal salt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a food processor, fitted with the "S" blade, combine all of the ingredients except the olive oil, adding a little of the sun-dried tomato "soak" water, if necessary. While the mixture is pureeing, add the olive oil. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions:
~ Dip zucchini slices into this delicious pesto for a fast and easy treat

~ Stuff 1/2 of a seeded tomato or bell pepper (yellow or orange are especially beautiful) with 1/4 cup of pesto, topped with fresh sprouts

~ Serve on top of zucchini angel hair pasta for a great Raw meal

This is a recipe from Kristen Suzanne's EASY Raw Vegan Sides & Snacks.