Tomato Provolone Grilled Cheese with Kale and Basil Pesto

My husband and I have been trying our best to use fresh ingredients in our cooking whenever possible. We have a small garden in our backyard and participate in a local farm to door delivery. We love receiving fresh produce each week and finding new and exciting ways to use the product. In one of our co-op deliveries we received kale. In our garden we also have basil. I had recently read a recipe for a kale pesto from Bon Appetit. I thought I can create something similar. This is my crack at a Kale and Basil pesto. We later used this pesto on an amazing tomato grilled cheese! The tomatoes were also from our garden they are called Early Girl tomatoes. This sandwich is so delicious and light. You will want to make it again and again.

Tomato Provolone Grilled Cheese with Kale and Basil Pesto 

Kale and Basil Pesto 

• 1 large bunch of kale 
• ½ cup fresh basil 
• ¼ cup Olive Oil 
• 2 garlic cloves 
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup water  
• ⅓ cup pine nuts 

1. Cook kale in boiling salted water until bright green about 30 seconds. 
2. Blend nuts oil, garlic, and ⅓ cup water 
3. Add kale, basil, and parm and continue to blend until smooth. 
4. Add tablespoons of water at a time as needed to smooth out.
5. Taste and add salt or pepper as desired. 

Tomato Provolone Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• Butter 
• Thick bread 
• Fresh tomatoes * We picked them right off the vine in our backyard* 
• Salt
• Kale and Basil pesto 
• Provolone cheese 

1. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet. 
2. Toast one side of both pieces of bread and remove the bread from the pan. 
3. On a plate place the bread with the toasted side up. Spread the kale and basil pesto across the bread. 
4. Layer cheese on both pieces of bread. Then add tomatoes and a few leaves of fresh basil. *We lightly salt the tomatoes. You can skip this step if you choose.*
5. Combine the two stacks and toast in the skillet with more butter on both sides. 
6. Use something heavy to weigh it down and to give it a good crust. 
7. Remove from the skillet and enjoy! 

I hope you enjoy this yummy quick lunch. Until next time.

Peace, love, and tomatoes.

-ballinwiththebergs