Crust and crunch is an absolute necessity in my life.
A friend once told me that my need for such a sensation is an expression of my desire to “take a bite out of life.” (Really, she was speaking of my adoration of crunchy apples).
Thus, I like to “crust” my dishes: with NUTS. I simply cannot live without crunch or nuts.
Perhaps it’s because I am NUTS – you are what you eat –

I digress. Too many puns, I know.

Thus, all I can say is that cashews are all together creamy, crunchy, sweet and amazing.
Cilantro is aromatic and refreshing.
Parsnips are sweet, starchy, and comforting.

Cashew Crusted Chicken & Cilantro Pesto with Parsnip Ribbons: salubrious, satisfying, and superior.

Try if for yourself.

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Cashew Crusted Chicken & Cilantro Pesto with Parsnip Ribbons

Cashew Crusted Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup raw cashews, finely chopped
1 Tbs. all purpose flour (gluten-free or ground cashews)
sea salt and pepper

Parsnip Ribbons:
2 large parsnips, peeled and VERY thinly sliced
2 Tbs. coconut oil
juice and zest of 1 fresh lime
sea salt and pepper

Cashew Cilantro Pesto:
1 cup fresh cilantro
1/3 cup cashew butter
1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
juice and zest of 1 fresh lime
sea salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
In a medium bowl, toss together the chopped cashews and flour (or cashew “dust”) with the salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the mixture.

Line a baking sheet or pan with parchment and place the crusted chicken on the parchment. Top with any remaining that isn’t “sticking” to the chicken.

Bake for 30 minutes or so, until the chicken is cooked through.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.
Add the parsnip ribbons and cook until soft, stirring every so often and covering in between stirs.
Season with lime, sea salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Finally, in a small food processor, pulse the cilantro, cashew butter, olive oil, lime, and salt and pepper until creamy.

To serve, plate the veggie ribbons, top with the crusted chicken, then the pesto, and additional cilantro for garnish.