Pistachio French Toast.....Yum!

Before I had to give nuts and nut butters I was addicted to anything that involved them.  When I found out about this month's Recipe Redux contest my mind immedietly went to pistachio butter.  

Pistachios make a great, everyday healthy snacking choice for people looking to satisfy a salty snack craving the smart way, and still do something good for themselves. Pistachios are a deliciously simple way to snack healthy. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals approximately 49 nuts, which is more nuts per serving than any other snack nut, and a reduced serving of about 30 pistachios is just about 100 calories.

Crack ‘em, Chew ‘em, Love ‘em, Leave ‘em: Let the Pistachio Principle be your guide! Empty pistachio shells may serve as a “visual cue” of how many pistachios you’ve consumed, so don’t discard the shells after you’ve enjoyed the treat inside. {Side note:  You can also use the shells when you grill.  They will add a nutty smokiness to your food}

Study participants who left pistachio shells on their desk reduced their calorie consumption by 18 percent compared to participants who discarded shells immediately after consumption.

People who consumed in-shell pistachios ate 41 percent fewer calories than those who consumed pistachios without shells. This suggests that empty shells may be a helpful visual cue as to how much has been eaten – thereby potentially encouraging reduced calorie consumption.

Need another reason to go nuts snacking on pistachios? Recent research from Harvard University and published inNew England Journal of Medicine suggests that the benefits of snacking on nuts go up as the number of servings goes up, too. Bottom line: more nuts, more benefits. Go for a daily handful of pistachios as part of a healthy diet. A daily handful of pistachios is a delicious and healthy everyday snack for those striving for seven servings a week.

We were asked to do the Perfect Pistachio Pairing {try saying that 3 times fast}  What could be better than creamy pistachio butter paired with warm french toast and maple syrup?

Creamy + Warm + Sweet = PERFECTION!

This recipe appeals to everyone.  It feels indulgent but it's really not that bad.  The girls and Ken both loved it.

I love how the pistachios gave the french toast a slight green tint

Pistachio Butter

Ingredients
16 oz in-shell pistachios
2 T sugar free maple syrup

Directions

1. Shell pistachios
2. Place pistachios and syrup in food processor and process for about 10-15 minutes until a smooth consistancy

Pistachio Butter Battered French Toast

Ingredients
8 slices whole wheat bread
4 eggs/ equivalent egg substitute
.25 cup skim milk
.25 cup pistachio butter

Directions

1. Combine everything except bread in blender or food processor until completely combined.
2. Dip bread into egg mixture so it soaks into both sides
3. Grease a skillet or griddle and heat on medium.
4. Place bread in the skillet and cook until the first side turns golden brown (about 
5. Flip and cook the second side until brown.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup

Hope you enjoy!  What do you do pair with your pistachios?

I received free pistachio samples from the Pistachio Health Institute mentioned in this post. By posting this pairing I am entering a contest sponsored by Pistachio Health Institute and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

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