For some reason, despite the prevalence of pistachios in my childhood, I don't think I've ever tasted them. It may be that unsightly red stain or some other reason, but I just never did.
When making these muffins, of course I had to try, and they are in fact quite tasty--even unsalted. Definitely different from other nuts I've had, and of course, no stain.
I made these lovelies for my children to eat at daycare. I was setting them up with breakfast when my four year old reminded me "no nuts at school!" Oops. We tasted them at home, and they were really delicious.
I was hesitant about the whole concept of EATING tea; for whatever reason, this just seems wrong. But it isn't gross, though it's surely more caffeine than I should be handing my two OR four year old, but I wasn't thinking... obviously (see nuts above).
Taking some of the recommendations on the recipe's comments, I made a few modifications, adding a third teabag, another teaspoon of vanilla, a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of cardamom. The end result was quite tasty; it was much like a spice cake but with much more interesting flavors and the delightful green crunch of the nuts on top.
Pistachio Chai Muffins Adapted from Cooking Light
- 7 9/10 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 3/4 cups)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3chai blend tea bags, opened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch ground cardamom
- 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Cooking spray
- 1/3 cup shelled dry-roasted pistachios, chopped
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Weigh or measure flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Cut open tea bags; add tea, cinnamon, and cardamom to flour mixture, stirring well. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine buttermilk, butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and egg in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Don't overmix!
- Coat a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle nuts evenly over batter. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
1 comment:
Ohh they came out good! Look delicious!
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