Tuesday, February 27, 2007

GOOD GRIEF! FORGOT YESTERDAY ~ NATIONAL PISTACHIO DAY

~ a fun day missed!
(More trivia from the below site)
*
"National Pistachio Day is a nutty day. You can celebrate National Pistachio Day by eating them, and learning more about them. We're going to help with the learning part ... read on.

Nutty Pistachio Facts:

Pistachios grow on trees. They are native to the Middle East. Its a long wait to get the first nut. A pistachio tree takes 7-10 years to mature. California is the major producer in the U.S. Pistachios are harvested in September by machines that shake the trees. It less than a minute.
The red dye is added to the nuts is only due to consumer demand for the color. Its open hull is unique. The nut is ripe when the hull splits open. People in the Middle East call it the "smiling nut" and in China its called the "happy nut". Pistachios are nutritious, so eat them up! Celebrate today by eating Pistachios. They are great plain as a snack, in ice cream, and in a wide range of desserts. "
~ Garden primrose

(February flower of the month)

777777777777777

DELICIOUS PISTACHIO CRUSTED BAKED FISH

(4 servings)

(Whitefish, salmon, swordfish, snapper, grouper, etc.)

4 thick boneless fish fillets

4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

freshly cracked black pepper

juice of 1 lemon

4 ounces sweet butter

6 Tbsp. finely chopped pistachios

1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

2-3 Tbsp. chopped green onions

1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 400-degrees. Line baking sheet with foil. Spray with Pam. Place fish (skin side down) and lightly massage with olive oil. Sprinkle with cracked pepper.

Melt butter and combine with lemon juice, pistachios, green onions and parsley. Fold in panko crumbs. Pat evenly over fish fillets. Bake 12-14 minutes, depending on thickness. Serve with lemon wedges and favorite slaw.


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