Lemon Pistachio Cupcakes

Originally uploaded by Bake & Destroy

I was working on a top-secret surprise for my mom and dad when the search began- I needed whole, raw pistachios and I preferred that they did not cost $500/lb. This was no small feat. I spent almost an hour in Whole Foods alone comparison shopping when I settled on a 1-lb bag of in-shell nuts for about $6.
After spending an equal amount of time de-shelling (or is that just called shelling?) said pistachios I wished I would have spent the extra $5 to buy them already naked. Teno helped by eating a handful, shell and all. He has shark teeth.
Anyway, the goal was to use the non-top-secret-surprise pistachios to make lemon pistachio cupcakes. I suppose I did meet my goal, although my mother in law accidentally spilled the beans that these were “not Tony’s favorite.” Either way my work friends appreciated them and I have a new found respect for nut shellers. Ahem.

You will need:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pistachios, finely ground
• 1 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• 3/4 cups milk

Then you:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, line a pan with paper cupcake cups. Combine flour, pistachios, lemon zest, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. Beat in flavor extract. Alternately beat in flour mixture and milk. Mix until smooth.
Scoop batter into pan and bake 24-28 minutes. Cupcakes are done when tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, them remove from pan and cool completely.

I topped mine with a simple glaze made from lemon juice, zest and powdered sugar – I think I overpowered the pistachio with lemon, though, and I might suggest a simple sugar and milk glaze for next time.

Happy holidaze, everyone- and be sure to check out my new column “Dinner & a Movie” on DeadlyDVD.com starting in January!