pistachios

I cannot describe the taste of these little nuts or what makes them so yummy. They just are. They are probably my favorite nut. The hesitation being that I really love honey roasted peanuts. But they are sugar coated which makes the comparison unfair and irrelevant.

My affections towards the pistachio started with Ashley's famous "Pistachio Fluff". It is a commonly requested as her signature side dish for BBQ's. Even if you don't think you like pistachio's, you should try this.

1 small box instant pistachio pudding
1 medium tub cool whip
1 20oz can crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups mini marshmallows

Mix the above together. Let sit for half a day (the longer it sits the more yummy the marshmallow's get) then enjoy! Seriously. Try it. Also, we buy a bag of mini mallows, eat a bunch and then throw the rest in - way more than two cups. :)

What inspired this post is a cake that a lady from the senior apartments makes and brings to us at the firehouse. It is a pistachio cake. It is gone in 2.5 seconds. We love it. While I have not gathered up the nerve to ask her how to make it, I researched it on the internet and found what I think is the recipe.

1 box yellow cake mix
1 box pistachio pudding
4 eggs
1 1/4 c. water
1/4 c. oil
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Heat to 350*. Mix ingredients together on low for 1 minute, then medium for 4 minutes. Immediately pour into a grease/floured bunt pan. Bake 50-55 minutes. Remove when toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes then invert onto plate and cool the rest of the way. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving if you want. Or forget looks and dig right in. You should make this for Mom on Sunday.

It should be noted that I don't think that pistachio nuts and pistachio flavored things taste that much alike. For instance I hate the taste of pistachio pudding itself, but I love the above treats with it incorporated. So if you are prejudice about these treats because of your lack of love for the nut or the pudding, give them a try anyhow.

And that is all I have to say about pistachios.