The Panache of Pistachios

TheGreenNut.org

Pistachios. Forget for a moment that they taste great and it is nearly impossible to stop eating them. Sometimes the only thing between you and a pistachio overdose is the (often) hard to open shell. 

Pistachios were iintroduced to the U.S. in about the mid to late 19th century. The pistachio tree is native to western Asia and Asia Minor (ie, Turkey) and there is some evidence that pistachios were eaten as early as 7,000 B.C.  and by the first century A.D., these little nut nuggets had made their way into Italy by way of Syria.
 Take a look at  http://www.ThtGreenNut.org    if you would like to find ways  to incorporate pistachios into other dishes besides the snack bowl (perfectly okay as a snack; these green nuts are loaded with potassium, fiber, protein, Vitamin B-6 and are naturally cholesterol-free.) Asparagus Spinach Pistachio Pesto Pasta, Pistachio-Blackberry Financier, or Braised Pistachio and Apple Stuffing with Apple Butter are just a few ideas to get you started. Just have plenty on hand because you are sure to eat half as many as you incorporate into any recipe.

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pistachio.html is another site that details the history and origins of Pistachios.

Back to Nature, Forward to Health

Another company offering more natural and good-tasting foods in a variety of forms is Back to Nature Foods. Started in 1960, in Pasadena, California this company has the philosophy that “the best way to move forward…[is] to go back”

Keeping with that thinking, their products have no cholesterol and no trans fat. No artificial preservatives or colors, either.

Here is a look at a few snack offerings:

Bar Harbor Blend (Cranberries, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds & Vanilla
Almonds)
This is a snack packed with flavors and textures that will keep you reaching for more. The crackling crunch of the Vanilla Almonds and the muted crunch of the Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds contrast beautifully with the Cranberries. What a great combination.

Pacific Heights Blend (Salt Roasted Almonds, Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds, and dried Bing Cherries. Again, a sumptuous combination of textures, flavors and sweet and (just ever-so-slightly) salty.

Another Snack is the Sonoma Berry Blend—All fruit -- Dried Cranberries, Raisins, Bing Cherries and Strawberries. This is a nice surprise--putting those fruits together was an inspiration.

Consider putting these out as snacks for guests and friends instead of the usual chips. Not only are they healthier, the delightful surprising blends will be a hit with anyone who tries them.