Arugula

Peppery, luscious arugula has popped back up. It's announcing the start of the greens season in the most delightful way. I pretty much cannot get enough arugula, but if you find that you are tiring of its presence in salads, it may be time to try arugula pesto.

It's the simplest thing in the world. Very fast, amazingly delicious. Fresh, healthy, all good things.

First clean and trim your arugula. Then throw it into a food processor. Add in a good sized handful of pecans, 1 quarter cup grated Parmesan, and enough olive oil to give everything a good shine. Blend it up, and if you find that it isn't coming together, add piping hot water one teaspoon full at a time until you get a consistency that begs to be put on pasta. For a kick, you can dump in some hot pepper, or for more Italian style, stick with some garlic.

More food-processor ideas? Add arugula to homemade hummus instead of cilantro or parsley.

- Christiana