Today is one day I wish I had extra cash because February 26th is National Pistachio Day and Pistachio’s are David’s favorite snack. I would like to surprise him with a bag or two of Pistachio’s and no, I don’t think David will share. If you want Pistachio’s let me know so I can pick up a bag for you as well.
Sometimes great things really do come in small packages. Known as the “happy nut” in China and the “smiling Nut” in the Middle East, Pistachios have a unique, small shape but pack a powerfully nutritious punch. Aside from having a great smile, these vibrant green Nuts let you snack your way to good health by containing as much protein as an Egg per serving and myriad of other nutrients.
Pistachio’s are part of a very nutty, yet irritating family of Plants, the Evergreen family, which includes Mangoes, Pistachios, Cashews, and yup… Poison Ivy! Aside from their curious genealogy, Pistachio’s incredible health benefits sure give other Nuts a run for the money!
Stock up on these gloriously green Nuts because today on February 26th we celebrate them with National Pistachio Day. Its an excuse for Pistachio lovers worldwide to snack on their favorite Nut all day long.
National Pistachio Day Activities
- If you have the means and the opportunity today go Nuts today by incorporating Pistachios into every meal. These versatile Nuts have powerful flavor that can elevate a sweet or savory dish throughout your day.
- On National Pistachio Day start off with a stack of Pistachio Pancakes, ease into lunch with a Pistachio, Pomegranate, and Arugula Salad, then enjoy Pistachio encrusted Salmon for dinner, and top it all off with some Pistachio Gelato. Check out the endless array of possibilities and go green!
- Think of ways to food swap some of your not-so-good snacks with Pistachios and introduce your friends to these green goodies too.
- Pistachio’s are healthy, delicious, and by wrestling Pistachio’s from their shells, they help down your food intake. (Have you ever heard of the Pistachio Effect?). Pistachios might be the golden (green) ticket to helping you and you friends keep those New Year diet resolutions.
- Pistachio’s will make your heart smile too. Heart-healthy monounsaturated fat makes up the majority of the fat in Pistachios, so they decrease bad cholesterol and even lower your risk of heart disease. There’s no better way to celebrate then getting your snack on, guilt-free. Grab a handful (or two) and go Nuts!
Why People Love National Pistachio Day
Did you know in China, Pistachios are known as the “happy Nut” because their cracked-open shell makes them look like they’re smiling? Pistachio’s are also known to be a symbol of health, happiness, and good fortune and are often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year. Who knew Pistachios had such beaming personalities? Not me.
Pistachio’s are one of the oldest flowering Nut Trees, which is Pistachios have been enjoyed by humans for at least 9,000 years. Pistachio’s are even one of two Nuts mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible (Genesis 43:11). I didn’t know that. Did you. Which Clearly, means Pistachio’s have a history of good taste. don’t they?
Pistachio’s may be a little treat and they may be small but they’re nutritional powerhouses. Pistachio’s are one of the top three healthiest Nuts you can eat! Pistachio’s are relatively low in calories and contain more than 30 different vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients as well as a mix of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber. Snacking on Pistachios will help keep you fuller longer and provide you with a serious nutrition boost. Basically, Pistachio’s are an epic power snack.
Recipe: Pistachio Linzer Cookies
Ingredients
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely ground roasted pistachios, plus more for topping
A drop of green food coloring, optional
Sprinkles, for topping, optionalG
Directions
You will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter; a 3/4- to 1-inch-wide star or round cookie cutter
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and salt until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in the flour until combined.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. (Alternatively, you can divide it in half, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before proceeding to the next step.) Roll out the dough until it’s 3/16 inch thick. Cut out twelve 3-inch circles using a cookie or biscuit cutter. Use a 3/4- to 1-inch-wide star cookie cutter or smaller circle to cut out a hole in the center. Place the cookies on one of the prepared baking sheets. Reroll the dough and cutouts and punch out 12 more 3-inch circles. Place the circles on the second baking sheet.
Bake the cookies until set but still pale, about 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
In a double boiler, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir in the pistachios and a drop of green food coloring, if desired.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
