When my husband and I were dating 12 or so years ago, I looked forward to our first dates with anticipation, excitement and nervousness. I remember the butterflies in my stomach and the giddiness I felt back then.
Fast forward 11 years and 4 kids later, while the butterflies may be fleeting the excitement and happiness that overcomes me when my husband and I get to spend a few precious moments of uninterrupted quality time together is unyielding.
As a matter of fact, one of our favorite places to spend a relaxing moment together is in our own backyard. We have created a small, peaceful environment that we both enjoy and can kick our feet up in our pajamas if we please. Weather it be with the Sunday paper and a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and a sweet treat or for a Valentines morning brunch, patio door locked while the kids are occupied with a new movie. We have our own little, special retreat. Just the two of us.
You have to create your own moments, your own special places and traditions. However small, however frugal. All that matters, especially when you have kids or a hectic work schedule is spending a few moments now and then with those you love. Reconnecting and just being still, together.
Maybe a little Love Potion No. 9 is in order?
A small, simple yet decadent spread of food is just what it takes to create a relaxing and special morning with you and your sweetie. Who wants to stand in line with all the rookies at a 5 star restaurant and pay big bucks for a so-so meal with 190 strangers? Umm, not me. I'll be comfortable and out on the patio with the waterfall on and these sweet treats with my sweetie pie aka "Fuzzy Wuzzy Snuggly Bear" but don't tell him I told you that!
“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.”
As a member of The Recipe Redux Team, this month we were asked to create a food pairings incorporating In Shell Pistachios for The Pistachio Health Institute.
My pleasure! Pistachios are one of my all time favorite healthy indulgences and while I have always preferred In Shell Pistachios for the frugality of it, I never considered the health benefits.
Pistachios are known as the skinny nut because they are one of the lowest calorie and lowest fat nuts, they are also a good source of fiber.
Also, people who consumed in‐shell pistachios ate 41 percent fewer calories than those who consumed pistachios without shells. Personally, I think this has mostly to do with the fact that it takes a bit more time to crack open the shells one by one and enjoy them rather than throwing a handful at a time into your mouth quickly.
A Sweet Hearts Food Pairing with In Shell Pistachios:
[Indulgent Category]
Mini Gruyere and Canadian Bacon Quiches with Leeks
Salted In Shell Pistachios
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Love Potion No. 9
{a.k.a. Sparkling Italian Blood Orange Soda}
Recipe for Gruyere Quiches
Ingredients
5 large, Free Range eggs
1 cup low fat cottage cheese (or Ricotta)
1/4 cup milk (I use almond milk)
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
freshly cracked pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss Cheese (mozzarella will work fine)
1 leek, white and light green parts, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped Canadian bacon
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 375F
In a medium mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs with a whisk. Add milk, whisk another minute. Add cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper and whisk till combined. Add Gruyere, bacon and leek and stir to combine.
Spray a muffin tin lightly with cooking spray. Spoon egg mixture into tins just before full. Don't over fill.
Bake at 375F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown spots appear on top of quiche and the 'jiggle' is minimal.
Remove from oven and let cool at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove from pan. Using a butter knife, carefully ease the quiche away from the pan. Serve immediately.
If serving for dinner, prepare a simple salad tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette or with roasted asparagus.
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