Pistachio Pairing Contest {ReDux}

This is my first entry into a Recipe Redux contest! As a Canadian member of the monthly recipe challenge, I am not always able to compete in American contests. I think it's a great one to wet my feet, because it's pairings. Having recently been to Napa and Sonoma in California, I am intrigued by pairings and I am very interested in mindfulness, which plays right into the idea of savouring flavours and enjoying how different foods and beverages compliment each other.

Please note: 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.

I love nuts and they are a great little snack (or a bit of crunch) to get you through a busy day.  In-shell pistachios are a great one for mindfulness because you have evidence (the shell) of how many you've consumed. The Pistachio Health Institute also notes that pistachios have more nuts per serving than any other nut snack (1 oz = 49 nuts! or about 30 for 100 calories).

I'm hoping to submit multiple entries since I have lots of ideas, but this contest only runs until Sunday! For my first pairing, I created a sweet, salty, crunchy, refreshing, and indulgent pairing the Asian Inspired CranBacon Cheese Ball and Crackers.

In-shell pistachios + CranBacon Cheese Ball + rice crackers + iced green tea

To make this pairing, combine 100g of chevre (goat cheese) with about 3 Tbsp of bacon bits (save a strip or two from your Sunday bacon and eggs and chop finely) and 3 Tbsp of chopped dried cranberries. Form into 6 small balls with your hands.  Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.  

To make the tea, add 3 cups of boiled water (let it sit a few minutes after boiling) to 2 green tea bags in a pitcher.  Steep for about 4 minutes, remove the teabags and add 3-4 cups of cold water.  Refrigerate or add ice cubes to get desired coolness.  

To serve, plate about 10 in-shell pistachios with 3-4 plain rice crackers, 1 cheese ball, and a glass of iced green tea, enjoy! 

Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

An InLinkz Link-up

Two for Tea {Recipe ReDux}

November 21st - which means Recipe ReDux reveal...I struggled a lot with this month's theme - it wasn't that I couldn't think of any ideas, but I couldn't decide on just one! So, far I've challenged myself to create new recipes rather than go with my tried and true, so I wanted to do the same this month.  I thought about popcorn kernels and spices, granola, trail mix, chickpeas and spices, and even biscotti (which I've never made), but I landed on mulling spices.

Why was it such a tough decision? I love food and I love giving gifts, so with the theme Adding Merriment to Mixes I was very excited.  The guidance we received was to "share the recipe for how you package up a little shelf-stable love from your kitchen!" With cold temperatures here in Saskatchewan (silly wind chill!) and my love of mindfulness and creating healthy habits, I figured a nice hot cup of holiday cheer was the way to go.  There are so many high calorie, high sugar, and high fat beverages to tempt you this time of year, so here is a way to enjoy festive flavours at home while saving calories for that special appetizer or dessert.  Plus it's a great way to warm up after being active outside.

Merry Mulling Spices

Makes 4 pouches for individual servings

Ingredients:
6 cardamom pods
6 peppercorns
1 anise star
4 whole cloves
2-3" cinnamon stick
1 dehydrated orange slice (optional)
4 loose leaf tea bags (I used David's Tea ones)

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a mortar and smash with the pestel to release the aromas and flavours.  Divide into 4 loose tea leaf bags or use cheese cloth and tie to secure.

Use:
Place the mulling spice bag and your favourite black tea in a mug, add boiled water, and steep for 3-5 minutes (or longer for more flavour).  Serve with a splash of milk and/or dash of sugar as desired. 

*You can use a variety of spices to give this a personal touch.  I started to dehydrate the oranges at room temperature and then put them on a baking sheet on parchment paper and into the oven for about 1 hour at 200F to finish the drying process.  You could also use dried orange zest instead.
 
Depending on how much festive flavour you want to add, you can double up and make tea for two (instead of 4).  This makes a great gift with a box of black tea bags, a holiday mug, and some may even want to gift it with a bottle of wine.  I have not tried these exact spices with wine for a mulled wine, but you would at least double the recipe for 1 bottle and simmer 15-20 minutes to infuse the spices into the beverage.  The mulling spice bag can also be placed in water on the stove to simmer and provide a great fragrance to your home or combined with hot apple cider.

Cheers,
Enjoy hosting or spoiling your host(s)!
Steph Langdon, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Warm Drink on a Chilly Day

It's time for another Q's Day post! 

I know we've been lucky in Saskatoon and the weather has been quite mild for November.  However, I still find that there's a chill in the air.  My neck feels cold without a scarf and my hands seek out the warmth of gloves or mitts.  Whether or not you are experiencing that, I thought of today's question when I walked my dog this morning. 

Today I would like to know what warm drink you enjoy in the cold months of the year?

I typically go for green tea, but I find that in the winter I like something creamier, so I'll make chai or earl grey tea and add skim milk...mmmm.

Remember, on Q's Day you can post any questions, comments, answers, recipes, links, etc. that you want to share with the Nutrishus community!

Stay warm!
Steph Wheler, RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com

Caffeine Content

Are you ever curious about the caffeine content in the foods and beverages you consume? I am. I came across a brief explanation and chart on Health Canada's website today. It's interesting to see. Natural sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cocoa, kola, yerba mate, and guarana.

Steph Wheler
www.nutrishus.com