Puree

I love pesto with a passion! Since it is summer time, I needed a change to freshen up my usual recipe. I was reading a magazine called Whole Living Body + Soul and found a perfect alternate. The recipe is called "Mint & Parsley Pesto." Nothing says a little lighter summer fare than mint. Here is a little minty fact, according to Greek mythology, mint symbolizes hospitality. Mint has also been used for years to help in digestion, soothe your skin, and sweeten your tiger breath. I enjoy it in my tea and of course Mojitos. Feel free to explore this enchanting herb and freshen up some of your go to recipes. Appetizers, chicken, seafood, pasta, and bread the possiblites are endless.

Mint and Parsley Pesto

1c. fresh mint leaves
1/2 c. fresh parsley leaves
1 garlic clove
2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp. Salt and pepper to taste

Pulse the first 5 ingredients in your food processor until coarsley chopped. Then with machine running again, add oil in a steady stream. Season with salt and pepper.

Restore

Speaking from my own recent hurtles, stress can be an overwhelming battle to fight. It can come from your job, family, and significant other. Being the kind of person who likes to focus on others needs versus my own, the stress bat has whomped me good. Trying to find the perfect balance in life should be one of the top goals we need to achieve. Luckily there are many outlets one can choose to help in the release and the calmness to be returned. A yoga breathing technique called Nadi Shodhana, which means "alternate-nostril breathing," is said to clear the head and calm the mind. Gently closing off your right nostril with your right thumb, inhale slowly through your the left one. Then close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little fingers and exhale out the right. Now inhale through the right, exhale left; repeat five times on each side. In doing this process it really has helped me to relax when I am feeling I have met my limit in stress or anger. Realize you are not alone, stress is swarming us in everything we do. Once you learn how to stay afloat, you won't find yourself wanting to sink when issues arrise.