A Healthier Happy Hour: Pistachios + Coconut Dark Chocolate Dipped Pears + Pinot Noir = Mmmmmm!

Hi friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Pretty busy over here. I know you’re tired of hearing about the move, but if it isn’t obvious, it’s currently consuming my life! Hopefully, things will slow down and return to normal soon!

This move has seemed harder than the rest and I think it because all of our stuff was so spread out between Dustin’s parents and my parents house. Today, we (fingers crossed) packed up the last of the things from my parents house and managed to get a few rather larger pieces of furniture in through these tiny, old door frames! I am so grateful to have two parents that have been so helpful through this move! My brother has been joking that this is the never ending move and I’m starting to agree!

Anyway, I just wanted to stop in and share a yummy happy hour treat for you to enjoy in this up coming week or Valentine’s Day weekend! If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it one hundred times, life is all about balance and when it comes to your diet, it is no different.

Tonight I am going to show you just what I mean by that and am joining in on another Recipe Redux contest involving a “Pistachio Paring Challenge.”

“In-shell pistachios are the ultimate snack. You can go upscale or casual…savory or sweet…super healthy or uber indulgent. Pistachios in the shell may have their own mindful eating benefits and ReDux members are being challenged to pair in-shell pistachios in the most deliciously unique ways. Perhaps with some farmstead cheese and craft beer, Greek yogurt and strawberries, or dulce de leche and a glass of Malbec.”

Disclaimer: I received free pistachio samples from the Pistachio Health Institute mentioned in this post. By posting this pairing I am entering a contest sponsored by Pistachio Health Institute and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

You all know me: quality always trumps quantity and when it comes to pistachios you get both! As the lowest calorie nut (100 calories for 30 nuts), pistachios make a great snack and pair perfectly with so many foods.

In particular, pistachios are one of my favorite diabetic-friendly foods to recommend pairing with fruit. As we discussed on Wednesday, although fruit is a simple sugar and thus one avoided by many diabetics (unnecessarily!), fruit is full of fiber, vitamins and minerals, all of which we need to stay healthy! When paired with pistachios, the healthy fat and protein found in the nuts will slow down the digestion of the fruit, making it a completely acceptable diabetic snack!

Not just a good snack paired with fruit, pistachios paired with coconut dark chocolate fruit and WINE make a heavenly treat too! For the challenge, I want to encourage you to try the following combination for a delicious happy hour treat any night of the week!

We had four different categories of pairings that we could choose from, Mediterranean, skinny nut/reduced calorie, kid friendly and indulgent. Although my pairing would certainly be one found in the Mediterranean diet, it’s an indulgent treat too!

Pistachios + Coconut Dark Chocolate Dipped Pears + Meiomi Pinot Nior = mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

For the pairing, you’ll need…

• 1 ounce of pistachios in the shell
• 1 pear dipped in coconut dark chocolate
• 4 ounces your favorite pinot noir (optional!)

What is your favorite way to enjoy in-shell pistachios? I like them with just about everything, especially chocolate and wine!

For more info on one of my favorite nuts, check out the Pistachio Health Institute‘s website or check them out on Twitter or Facebook!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend my friends!

Good health!

Tagged as: ad, happy hour, meiomi, pinot noir, pistachio paring challenge, recipe redux