Best Saffron Pistachio Blondies Recipes
SAFFRON PISTACHIO BLONDIES
Saffron and pistachio, a combination known to many on the Indian subcontinent as kesar pista, is a classic flavoring in South Asian, Iranian and other desserts - and for good reason. The buttery richness of pistachios brings out the floral flavor in saffron. Kesar pista shines in other sweets like this nutty twist on a blondie. Seth Byrum, my partner and an avid home baker, suggested enriching the base with white chocolate, which feels reminiscent of khoya, the richly flavored milk solids in several South Asian confections. The radiantly golden frosting lets the saffron do the talking. Garnish the top with pistachios to mimic the top of more traditional South Asian sweets, like shrikhand.
Provided by Priya Krishna
Categories snack, cookies and bars, dessert
Time 1h
Yield One 9-inch pan
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Make the bars: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper such that the paper spills out over the sides of the pan, like wings.
- In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until the nuts are very finely ground. Don't let them get pasty. Add the flour, salt, baking powder and cardamom and pulse to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and shiny. (The butter will separate at first, then blend in.) Whisk in the eggs until incorporated. Add the pistachio mixture and mix with a silicone spatula to combine. Gently stir in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread in an even layer.
- Bake until the sides are brown and pull away from the pan, and the middle is slightly paler in color, 25 to 27 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center will come out with a few crumbs attached. Cool completely in the pan on a rack.
- While the bars cool, make the frosting: Finely grind the saffron threads in a mortar using a pestle or in a microwave-safe bowl using the back of a spoon. If needed, transfer the ground saffron to a microwave-safe bowl or to a small saucepan if you don't have a microwave. Stir in the milk, and microwave on high or heat over medium until the mixture is frothing around the edges but not boiling, about 30 seconds. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or freezer to quickly cool the mixture.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, use an electric hand or stand mixer or a heavy whisk or wooden spoon to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. If working by hand, this takes some muscle. Add the confectioners' sugar and salt and beat again until homogeneous and no clumps of sugar remain. Beat in the cooled saffron milk until well-combined. The frosting will turn a bright golden hue.
- Once the bars have cooled completely, scrape the frosting over the top, and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Crush or chop some pistachios for garnish and sprinkle all over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before eating. The bars keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1 month.
SAFFRON PISTACHIOS
Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, is fortunately so flavorful that you need only a tiny bit to flavor foods. Used most famously in risotto Milanese, paella and bouillabaisse, saffron adds a kind of aromatic pungency and gorgeous yellow color. Mix into steamed basmati rice or couscous.
Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)
Categories Other Appetizers
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Place the pistachios and oil in a medium-size bowl and toss to combine. Add the saffron and salt and toss until the nuts are well coated.
- 3. Transfer the pistachios to the prepared sheet and arrange in a single layer. Place in the oven and cook until the nuts just begin to color, about 20 minutes.
- 4. Remove from the oven, transfer the nuts to a paper towel to drain, and set aside to cool before serving.
PEAR AND PISTACHIO BLONDIES
These familiar bar cookies are made merrier with the spice of candied ginger, the sweetness of dried pear, and the crunch of pistachios.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 1 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-inch springform pan or a round cake pan. Line with parchment paper, allowing 2 inches to hang over sides. Butter parchment; set aside.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined. Reduce speed to low; mix in flour mixture until combined. Mix in pears, pistachios, and candied ginger.
- Pour batter into prepared pan; smooth top. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 15 minutes. Lift blondie out of pan; transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely; cut into wedges.
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