3 Pistachio-Inspired Spring Wine Pairing Snacks
Stuffed Figs with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Ingredients:
- 12 dried figs
- 4 oz (115g) goat cheese
- 12 walnut halves
- Honey, for drizzling
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a small slit in each dried fig, cutting almost but not all the way through.
3. Stuff each fig with a small amount of goat cheese, pressing gently to close the fig around the cheese.
4. Press a walnut half into the opening of each stuffed fig.
5. Place the stuffed figs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly melted and the figs are softened.
6. Remove the figs from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Arrange the stuffed figs on a serving platter and drizzle them generously with honey.
8. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top of the figs.
9. Serve immediately as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
Enjoy your delicious stuffed figs with goat cheese, walnuts, honey, and pistachios!
2. Citrus Caprese with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 2 large oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, for topping
- For the passion fruit vinaigrette:
- 2 passion fruits, pulp scooped out
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the sliced oranges and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating them for a visually appealing presentation.
2. Scatter fresh mint leaves over the oranges and mozzarella.
3. To make the passion fruit vinaigrette, combine the passion fruit pulp, white wine vinegar, honey, and olive oil in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined.
4. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness and acidity as needed.
5. Drizzle the passion fruit vinaigrette over the arranged oranges and mozzarella.
6. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for added crunch and flavor.
7. Finish by drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness.
8. Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Enjoy this delightful combination of sliced oranges, mozzarella, mint leaves, pistachios, and passion fruit vinaigrette for a burst of flavor and freshness!
3. Charcuterie Board Assortment
Ingredients:
- Lavender honey with chopped pistachios (for topping)
- Dark chocolate, broken into chunks
- Grapes (red and green)
- Drunken Goat cheese
- Brie cheese
- Assorted Italian cheeses (such as Pecorino Romano, and Asiago)
- Castelvetrano olives
- Pineapple crackers available at Whole Foods (or any other favorite crackers)
- Prosciutto slices
- Soppressata or other cured meats
- Mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
- Dried fruits (such as apricots, figs, and cranberries)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by arranging a large wooden board or platter to build your charcuterie board.
2. Place small bowls or ramekins on the board to hold the lavender honey with chopped pistachios sprinkled on top, Castelvetrano olives, and any other dips or spreads you may want to include.
3. Arrange the cheeses on the board, slicing some and leaving others whole for variety. Place the Drunken Goat cheese, Brie cheese, and assorted Italian cheeses in different sections of the board.
4. Add clusters of grapes around the board for a pop of color and sweetness.
5. Place chunks of dark chocolate throughout the board for a decadent treat.
6. Arrange slices of prosciutto and soppressata in between the cheeses and other ingredients.
7. Fill in any gaps on the board with pineapple crackers from Whole Foods, mixed nuts, and dried fruits.
8. Garnish the charcuterie board with fresh rosemary sprigs for a touch of greenery.
9. Serve the charcuterie board at room temperature and encourage guests to mix and match the different flavors and textures.
Enjoy assembling and indulging in this lavish charcuterie board, perfect for any gathering or celebration!
