Saffron Pistachios Recipes

SAFFRON PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 2. Place the pistachios and oil in a medium-size bowl and toss to combine. Add the saffron and salt and toss until the nuts are well coated.
• 3. Transfer the pistachios to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and cook until the nuts just begin to color, about 20 minutes.
• 4. Remove from the oven, transfer the nuts to a paper towel to drain, and set aside to cool before serving.

SAFFRON, PISTACHIO & WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Steps:

• Warm the milk in a saucepan with the saffron. Once steaming, take off the heat and whisk in the melted butter, then put in the fridge to chill completely. Whisk the egg with the caster sugar until light and fluffy - this will take around 3-5 mins, then add the cooled butter and light brown sugar and whisk briefly to combine. Tip in the flour, baking powder and a big pinch of salt, and use a spatula or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to combine - be careful not to over mix it.
• Fold in the chocolate and pistachios, then tip the mixture onto a piece of baking parchment. Roll it up in the parchment into a thick, compact log and twist the ends to make a cracker shape. Wrap in cling film, then put in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to chill - leave it overnight if you have time.
• When ready to bake, heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and line a baking sheet with baking parchment. Unwrap the cookie log and use a sharp knife to slice into thick 1cm disks, space out on the sheet (you might need to do this in two batches) and bake for 12-15 mins until set and golden around the edges, but still soft. Allow to cool a little, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

SAFFRON PISTACHIO BLONDIES

Steps:

• Make the bars: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper such that the paper spills out over the sides of the pan, like wings.
• In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until the nuts are very finely ground. Don't let them get pasty. Add the flour, salt, baking powder and cardamom and pulse to combine.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and shiny. (The butter will separate at first, then blend in.) Whisk in the eggs until incorporated. Add the pistachio mixture and mix with a silicone spatula to combine. Gently stir in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread in an even layer.
• Bake until the sides are brown and pull away from the pan, and the middle is slightly paler in color, 25 to 27 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
• While the bars cool, make the frosting: Finely grind the saffron threads in a mortar using a pestle or in a microwave-safe bowl using the back of a spoon. If needed, transfer the ground saffron to a microwave-safe bowl or to a small saucepan if you don't have a microwave. Stir in the milk, and microwave on high or heat over medium until the mixture is frothing around the edges but not boiling, about 30 seconds. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or freezer to quickly cool the mixture.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use an electric hand or stand mixer or a heavy whisk or wooden spoon to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. If working by hand, this takes some muscle. Add the confectioners' sugar and salt and beat again until homogeneous and no clumps of sugar remain. Beat in the cooled saffron milk until well-combined. The frosting will turn a bright golden hue.
• Once the bars have cooled completely, scrape the frosting over the top, and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Crush or chop some pistachios for garnish and sprinkle all over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before eating. The bars keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1 month.