Pistachio And Pomegranate Cheese Log Food

POMEGRANATE-PISTACHIO PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring the lentils to a boil in about 1 cup water; reduce the heat to low and let simmer until just tender, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onions, carrots and celery and cook until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the sausage, if using, and cook, breaking up any clumps, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in the rice, pistachios, fennel seeds, turmeric, thyme and 1 teaspoon salt; cook until the rice is opaque, about 3 minutes. Stir into the lentils and add 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then cover completely and simmer over low heat until cooked, about 45 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, without removing the cover, 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and top with the pomegranate seeds.

PISTACHIO-COATED CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Mix the cream cheese, Cheddar, Worcestershire, lemon zest, cayenne and a few grinds of pepper together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
• Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a work surface and put the cheese mixture on top. Use the plastic wrap to form it into a 6-inch log. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Put the pistachios on a large plate. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the pistachios until it is fully coated. Serve immediately or rewrap in clean plastic and refrigerate up to 1 day.

RANCH DRESSING CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• In a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk and dressing mix. Add the Cheddar cheese and continue beating until thoroughly blended. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. When firm, shape the wrapped cheese mixture into a log. Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet or a piece of wax paper. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the nuts to coat it on all sides. Serve with crackers or bagel chips.

PISTACHIO AND POMEGRANATE MEATBALLS (KUFTEH-YE PESTEH-O ANAR)

Steps:

• To make the meatballs: Place all the ingredients, except the ground turkey and egg, in a food processor and pulse until you have a grainy paste. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the turkey and egg. Lightly knead with your hands for a few minutes (do not over-mix). Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes or up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously oil a wide, non-reactive baking dish, large enough to fit 24 meatballs, (about 12 x 14 in/30 x 35 cm) and set aside.
• Remove the turkey mixture from the fridge and shape into walnut-sized balls (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each, using an ice-cream scoop). Place the meatballs in the baking dish and brush well with oil. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until bottoms of the meatballs are lightly golden.
• Meanwhile, in another mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the glaze.
• Spoon the glaze over the meatballs and bake for another 5 minutes to infuse them with the flavor of pomegranate.
• Garnish with the pomegranate arils and serve warm with the sauce. These meatballs are perfect for wrapping with sprigs of fresh basil in lavash bread or green lettuce.

POMEGRANATE PISTACHIO CROSTINI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°. Arrange bread slices on an ungreased baking sheet; brush tops with butter. Bake until lightly toasted, 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool., Beat cream cheese, orange juice and honey until blended; spread over toasts. Top with remaining ingredients.

PISTACHIO-COVERED CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Dijon and Worcestershire until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until slightly firm about 1-2 hours.
• Meanwhile in a medium skillet toast pistachios over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let cool.
• Transfer cheese mixture to a piece of waxed paper, using paper guide the to shape a log about 6 inches long. Cover with pistachios, pressing to adhere. Wrap log in a fresh piece of waxed paper; chill until firm 1 to 2 hours (or up to a day). Serve with crackers.

PISTACHIO-COVERED CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, cheddar, Dijon, and Worcestershire until well combined; season with salt and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until slightly firm, 1 to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, toast pistachios over medium, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let cool.
• Transfer cheese mixture to a piece of waxed paper; using paper, shape into a 6-inch-long log. Cover with pistachios, pressing to adhere. Wrap log in a fresh piece of waxed paper; chill until firm, 1 to 2 hours (or up to 1 day). Serve with crackers.