Nettle is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is delicious as a steamed green or used fresh in a pesto!  (Blending fresh nettle neutralizes the "sting.")  Here's Cheryl's recipe for fresh nettle pesto.  (If you don't know where to harvest nettle, you can buy it from Star Route Farms at the Sunday farmer's market in San Rafael.)

Nettle Pesto:

• 1-2 cups olive oil (depending on how thick you like it)

• ½ cup pine nuts or walnuts

• 2-3 cloves of garlic

• 3-4 cups of fresh nettle tops

• 1 cup basil (optional)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan Cheese

• Salt and Pepper to Taste

Combine oil, nuts and garlic in a blender or food processor and blend until creamy.  Slowly add the greens and puree well.  Remove from blender and mix in cheese, salt and pepper.