Pistachios

Pistachios, which contain 53.7 percent fat, are a beautiful and delicious nut, but the salted variety should not be used for dessert recipes. Wonderfully flavorful, bright green pistachios from Sicily can be ordered shelled and unsalted from Keenan Farms, Kalustyan’s, and SOS Chefs. My favorite pistachio nuts come from Iran and are also carried by SOS Chefs and Kalustyan’s (see Ingredients Sources).

To Blanch: Place the pistachios in boiling water for about 1 minute. Drain them and remove the peels by pinching each one gently and discard. Allow them to dry on paper towels for about 3 hours.