I discovered a simple recipe (below) for Hemp Seed (or Almond) Pesto in the Raw Power newsletter, and Thor (I still love that the founder of Raw Power Protein Superfood is named Thor - too cool) welcomed us to publish it here on Go Dairy Free. It seemed like the perfect sauce or condiment for spring.

Last year I was introduced to Raw Power Protein Superfood, but the company has quickly expanded beyond their own product line. They have recently introduced the Raw Power Super Store with over 500 new products. This new online store is stocked with the Raw Power Brand (of course), numerous other raw / organic food brands, Organic and Wildcrafted Superfoods, High-Quality Supplements, Books, DVDs, CDs, Organic Body Care, and Healthy Lifestyle Appliances (Blenders, Juicers, Dehydrators, Ceramic Knives, Kitchen Tools, etc.). Visit it at www.rawpower.com to see the whole array of offerings.

Okay, back to the recipe. It is from the raw recipe book, I Am Grateful: Recipes & Lifestyle of Cafe Gratitude by Terces Engelhart and Orchid.

According to Thor, "I Am Grateful is a great book, put together by the folks at Cafe Gratitude. Lots of REAL, tried and true recipes." He chose this as recipe of the month for the Raw Power newsletter, "because we think this is a fresh way to use nutritious and delicious hemp seeds. Yummy on salad greens, stuffed in veggies cut paper-thin to make rawviolis, or atop zucchini noodles." 

Hemp Seed or Almond Pesto

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 bunches basil (destemmed)
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup hemp seeds or 1/4 cup raw almond butter

Place all ingredients except the hemp seeds or almond butter in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S blade. Pulse and scrape down sides of bowl until all the ingredients have reached a pretty smooth texture. While running, add the hemp seeds or almond butter. (Some people like their pesto chunky. Use your own judgement as to when to add the seeds or butter.) Your pesto is now ready to use. Stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes 1 1/2 - 2 cups.