Phytopia Pesto

From The Phytopia Cookbook, by Barbara Gollman, RD and Kim Pierce

3/4 cup kale (wash and remove large stems)
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup basil leaves (wash and pat dry)
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) freshly ground pepper to taste

Phytopia Pesto (cont.)

Directions:
Coarsely chop kale, leaving water on leaves from washing. Place in large microwavable bowl and cover. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 5 minutes. Stir; return to microwave for another 5 minutes.Let stand 2-3 minutes, remove cover to cool.

Drop garlic into the bowl of a food processor with the motor running. When finely minced, add the basil and cooked kale. Process until uniform. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Serve as you would pesto. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.