Spinach Walnut Pesto {A House Recipe}

   This Pesto is Ah-MAZE-ing! I love all types of pesto, from the most traditional, to the farthest out there. This one gets made on the regular around here. I pack it full of spinach on the sly so that a certain picky little boy will eat it and I use walnuts because I prefer the flavor with spinach. 

   I'm going to try to start showing some quick recipes of homemade staples that I keep around the house every few posts. You can often find me eating this pesto from a spoon while the pasta is boiling. It is so quick, easy and nutrient packed! I know, I know, nutrient packed doesn't scream delicious but in this case it is. It is so freacktastingly good I cannot even begin to tell you. 

Spinach Walnut Pesto
yields about 2 cups
(click to print)

2 cups tightly packed spinach
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
2 cloves of garlic, smashed and peeled
3/4-1 cup olive oil
salt to taste

In a food processor or blender put in spinach, walnuts, Parmesan and garlic. Pulse until things are roughly broken down. Turn on and slowly stream in the olive oil until everything is combined and the correct consistency. It should be pour able but not to thin, unless you prefer it thicker and it should still be chunky.

Lasts about two weeks in the fridge.

This perfect for pasta, chicken, shrimp, a spoon... The possibilities are endless!

xoxo,
Ashley

Currently #3

Sooooo, Netflix added Criminal Minds to instant streaming last week. I cannot stop watching. What is wrong with me?

Asian BBQ Boneless Ovenbaked Wings. Um, yeah I'm going to need to make these!
Whole Grain Beer Mustard is very much on my to do list.
Oatmeal Cookie Granola is on my list for breakfast many days next week.
This Pie Sundae Social is such a cute idea!

I think the boys and I may grow ourselves some crystals. I don't think I am going to use eggs shells, maybe some larger rocks. I see fun things in our future!

Speaking of crafting, I just cleaned and rearranged my office/craft room. It was crazy disheveled before. Now everything has a home and a place. I think projects are in my future.  Get ready for some craft goodies. (hopefully)

Who wants to buy these for me? Wonder if how many hints I need to drop between now and Christmas...

Princess Bride facts. Bet you can't guess where I got name for this blog...

I am so ready for fall! I want cooler weather so bad that I can't stand it. There is a palpable feeling I get about fall, it's magical. I love the leaves, the food, the smells... I love every single thing about Autumn! I think I am going to make Curried Sweet Potato Soup tomorrow and pretend its no longer summer outside.

I've started planning Halloween costumes. Caleb can't decide between a Ghostbuster, a ghost, a vampire, a werewolf or a zombie. Liam just says he wants to be whatever Caleb says. I was planning on a Caleb as a Ghostbuster and Liam as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, but I think that has been ruled out. My sister and I are both working on gender swapped Sam and Dean from Supernatural for Halloween. I am pretty stoked about it. Oh my gosh, why am I such a dork!

This weekend is about relaxing. The Mr. has taken the weekend off. For once, he has the weekend off and we have no plans. I don't know what to do with myself, other than some laundry and dishes nothing needs to be done around the house. I think a family movie night, a couple of trips to the playground and even a date night.

Bacon Avocado Teriyaki Burger

Just looking at this burger is killing me! I adore it so!

   I'm not a huge burger eater. I rarely order burgers from restaurants because I'm usually underwhelmed. I guess growing up with a "grill master" father has spoiled me. I think he would be proud of me on this one. I should make it for him sometime, with some hibiscus tea. He loves that stuff! 

   This burger is a combination of a few different burgers I've ordered that I actually enjoyed. I know you are going to look at the list of ingredients and think I have lost my mind! Trust me here! I've come up with some crazy stuff before but this is one of my best! 

Bacon + Avocado + Munster + Teriyaki Mushrooms + Horseradish + Spinach = Delicious

   I'm not going to give you a recipe for the burger with this one. Because I couldn't tell you what my meat mixture was or how long it stayed on the grill. But I do know exactly what I did to the mushrooms and how I assembled it. It was one of those crazy nights when I made them and scrambled to photograph before I totally lost any sun. I also and not a grill master like my dad. And everyone has their own favorite way they like their meat coked. I'm a medium girl with burgers but a medium rare with steak. 

Bacon Avocado Teriyaki Burger
serves 4
(click to print)

2 tablespoons mayo
2 tablespoons horseradish
4 hamburger buns
4 cooked hamburger patties
4 slices munster cheese
1 avocado, mashed
teriyaki mushrooms (recipe follows)
8 strips of bacon, cooked

Stir together the horseradish and mayo. Spread on each side of the buns. While your patties finish cooking to your liking, place a slice of cheese on each one and allow to melt. When you add the cheese also place your buns mayo side down on your grill, griddle, pan, etc. Allow to toast. Once the buns are toasted and cheese is melted start assembly. Place a handful of spinach on the bottom of each bun and the burgers on top of that. Spoon some of the mushrooms on top of each burger then top with two strips of bacon. Smear some of the avocado on the top buns and and place on the bottom part of the burger. Now they are ready to eat! ENJOY!

Teriyaki Mushrooms

2 cups baby bellas, sliced thinly
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons honey

In a small skillet, over medium heat saute mushrooms until slightly browned. Add in teriyaki sauce and honey. Cook until mushrooms are coated and sauce has thickened slightly, serve immediately.

I highly recommend eating this with sweet potato fries!

xoxo,
Ashley