Pistachios are perfect on St. Patrick’s Day

Why are all things green on St Patrick’s Day? Well, green started to represent Ireland because of its nickname, “The Emerald Isle”. Green is also found in Ireland’s flag. The green shamrock was used by St. Patrick to teach people about the Holy Trinity. But the best folklore pertains to Leprechauns. They are rarely seen in anything other than green, and legend has it, that they pinch anyone not wearing their favorite color. Ouch! Now we know where that tradition came from as well.

Pistachios for St. Patrick’s Day

As you probably know, pistachios are naturally green. If you didn’t, you do now. To connect with your inner Irish, you can just eat pistachios on St. Patrick’s Day, or even carry them around if you forget to wear your green. If you want to make something with them for St. Patrick’s Day or any day really, we discovered this super easy, fun cookie recipe prepared by Jen’s Favorite Cookies.

Pistachio Caramel Cookies

All this recipe takes is your favorite sugar cookie mix, pistachio pudding, a little flour, butter, a couple of eggs, some caramels and of course some dry roasted, salted pistachio kernels. It all bakes for 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. Voila! You have Pistachio Caramel Cookies! They may seem like a unique combination, but once you try them, you’ll see why we like them…it’s the sweet and salty duo!

Get the full recipe on the Heart of the Desert Pinterest Page.

Once you have your cookies ready, adorn your favorite green top and head on out to a St. Patrick’s Day party, or throw your own, with a Shepherd’s Pie, some soda bread and your favorite green beer – or go authentic with a pint of Guinness or Magner’s Cider.

Slainte! (Good Health)

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.