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Spring English Pea Pesto

Bright green peas at the peak of their season are a versatile spread, dip or sauce for fish and pasta. Fresh peas are worth the extra effort.

Recipe by: Gabrielle

Serves 6

Wine Pairing: Pietro Family Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2014

PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 5 minutes TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 Lbs. Fresh English peas (substitute 3 cups frozen peas)
• 2 Cloves Garlic, rough chop
• 1 Eureka lemon, zest, and juice
• 1 Tbsp. Mint, fresh, roughly chopped
• ½ Lb. Whole Pecorino Romano cheese (substitute pre-shredded if preferred)
• 1 Tbsp. GC Napa Valley Lavender Tellicherry Pepper
• 1 Tbsp. GC Napa Valley Chardonnay Finishing Sea Salt
• 2 Tbsp. GC Napa Valley Buttery Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp. Kosher salt
• 1 Cup Ice

TO PREPARE

1. If using fresh peas (recommended): Break open shell and remove peas into a bowl. Wash under cold water.
2. If using frozen peas: Prepare the ice bath: Fill a medium bowl with 1 cup ice and 4 cups water.
3. Finely shred ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese; leave remaining piece whole
4. Fill a medium pot with 6 cups of water and add 2 Tbsp. Kosher salt). Bring to a boil and add peas to cook for 2 minutes if frozen, and 3 minutes if fresh. Briefly, drain peas in colander, then transfer to ice-water bath until cool. (About 2-3 minutes). Drain again
5. Add to a food processer: Chardonnay Finishing Sea Salt, Lavender Tellicherry Pepper, garlic, lemon zest and juice, mint, shredded Pecorino Romano cheese, and Buttery Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Pulse to combine for 1 minute for a rustic pesto, or for 2 minutes if a smooth and creamy texture is desired.
6. Taste to adjust seasoning- add more Chardonnay Sea Salt, Lavender Tellicherry Pepper if needed.

TO SERVE

English Pea Pesto is very versatile:

• Spread it! Place the eye catching bright green pesto in a white or glass bowl, drizzle with Buttery Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and add a dash of Lavender Tellicherry Pepper and shave Pecorino Romano cheese over top for presentation. Grilled slices of French bread and spread a thick layer on top.
• Dip it! Use pita chips, your favorite vegies, or crostini to dip and savor a fresh spring bite.
• Sauce it! Top steaming hot linguine with the Spring English Pea Pesto and shave Pecorino Romano cheese over top. Also, fantastic on grilled or steamed halibut.

SHOPPING LIST

• 8 Oz. Pecorino Romano cheese (whole)
• 1 Eureka Lemon
• 2 1/2 Lbs. Fresh English peas (substitute 2 bags frozen peas)
• 1 Bunch Mint, fresh
• 1 Bulb Garlic (need 2 cloves)
• 1 Box Kosher salt (need 2 Tbsp.)