B lue Hill Garlic Scape Pesto Pizza Makes 2 to 3 servings "Scape" is an old botanical term for a stalk that rises from a root. The hardneck garlic we grow has scapes that ascend through the leaves and then twist into a curl or coil topped by a seed - like bulb. If left to develop naturally, the garlic plant will throw all its energy into the flower, but when the scapes are harvested in full curl they themselves are edible - c risp and delicious, with a milder flavor than head garlic. Try this easy garlic scape pesto pizza, or use the scapes in one of the other ways suggested below. One 12 - inch round pizza dough (homemade, purchased, or use Pain de Famille's rosemary focaccia) ½ cup garlic scape pesto (see below) or good quality store - bought such as Mainstay About 6 garlic scapes ⅓ cup fresh goat cheese, preferably local 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil Sister's salsa, if desired 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place dough on baking sheet; spread with pesto, arrange garlic scapes overlapping, dot with goat cheese, and drizzle with oil. 2 Bake in preheated oven until crust browns, cheese softens, and garlic scapes are crispy and tinged with dark brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Cut in wedges, spoon salsa over if desired, and serve. Garlic Scape Pesto In a blender, food processor, or mini - processor, pulse together ¾ cup coarsely chopped garlic scapes, ½ cup packed parsley sprigs, ⅓ shredded parmesan cheese, and ⅓ cup pine nuts or other n uts. With motor running, drizzle in ½ cup olive oil and process to make a slightly coarse paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This pesto will stay bright green for several days in the refrigerator or can be frozen. ALSO TRY THESE... Brush scapes lightly with oil and grill until blackened on edges. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a dribble of balsamic vinegar. Press into the tops of steaks, hamburgers, or meaty fish such as swordfish and grill. Add chopped scapes to omelets and frittatas. Cut into 2 - inch lengths and add to a stir - fry. Finely mince and stir into fresh goat cheese or cream cheese. Chop and add to any tomato sauce or other pasta sauce Use wherever you'd use scallions. Add to flower arrangements. Wear on the wrist as beautiful fragrant jewelry.