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.”
What flavors do I believe go best with that delicious, green nut inside a shell called a pistachio?
Ginger, Pumpkin, Honey, Pear, and Coconut.
After receiving some in-shell pistachios from the Pistachio Health Institute, I was asked to come up with my version of the perfect pairing. And I believe I did just that.
The sweet yet spicy taste of ginger on a healthy, nutritious, homemade Pumpkin Wedges. The sweet flavor of honey paired with a crunchy slice of Bartlett pear. A taste of island breeze with a combination of sweet coconut rum, spicy ginger liqueur, hydrating green tea, and fresh ginger. And last but certainly not least, a bowl of the salty, nutty, in-shell pistachio.
It was a winning pairing.
With almost a sort of Asian inspired theme, this pairing combines delicious flavors together in a secretly nutritious and low in calorie way that still tastes indulgent. A perfect pairing for the healthy-fat filled nut.
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.
And even better yet? People who consumed in-shell pistachios ate 41 percent fewer calories than those who consumed pistachios without shells.
So what are you waiting for? In-shell Pistachios are the way to go.
Instead of an unhealthy, fried chip or cracker, I decided to go with one of my favorite foods in a unique way. Pumpkin. Making Pumpkin Wedges with a hint of ginger taste was not only a delicious idea, but one that kept the calories out of this pairing!
Next, I decided to slice the antioxidant-packed pear fruit with just a drizzle of raw honey, to pair perfectly with the saltiness of the in-shell pistachios.
Lastly, the drink of choice. Most alcoholic drinks are heavy on the empty calories, but not this one. Instead of mixing sugar-laden sodas or juices, I decided to go with the hydrating, energizing, and slimming green tea, onhealthy accutane mixed wonderfully with sweet coconut rum, spicy ginger liqueur, and fresh minced ginger. Alcohol can be very dehydrating, so the addition of green tea instead of other mixers was an excellent choice.
So there you have it. Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Wedges with a Spicy Ginger flavor. Crunchy and Sweet Honey drizzled Pear slices. A Sweet and Spicy, Hydrating and Healthy cocktail filled with Coconut and Ginger flavors. And of course, the Delicious, Nutritious, and Salty In-Shell Pistachio.
How does this pairing sound to you?? Is your mouth salivating yet?
- 1 small Pie Pumpkin
- 1 tablespoon Minced Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil, melted
- Sea Salt to taste
- Cut Pumpkin in half and de-skin.
- Scoop out flesh and cut into thin slices, however you desire (either wedges, fry shape, or any other thin way; I did some both ways!)
- Place Pumpkin slices into a large bowl of cold water and some sea salt and allow to soak for 45 minutes (this is what creates the crispiness, don’t skip!)
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mix the coconut oil and ginger together in a small bowl
- When pumpkin is done soaking, drain the water and pat dry (make sure to dry!).
- Drizzle the oil mixture over the pumpkin on a large baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray
- Mix pumpkin around to coat evenly.
- Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Remove and flip. Bake for another 15 minutes.
- Bake for 5 minute increments until browned to your liking.
- If desiring additional crispness, turn the oven on to broil for the last 5 minutes, flipping half way through.
- 8 oz Ginger Green Tea (can use Ginger Herbal Tea or any Green Tea as well)
- 4 oz. Malibu Coconut Rum
- 2 oz. Ginger Liqueur
- 8 oz Sparkling Coconut-flavored Water
- 1 tablespoon Fresh, Minced Ginger
- Optional: Candied Ginger for rim
- Brew your green tea, allow to cool
- Mix all ingredients in shaker with ginger
- Pour into glass and enjoy
- If desired, coat rim of glass with some minced ginger, and sprinkle sugar of choice on top
- Serve with candied ginger