Pistachio Buttercream Frosting Food

PISTACHIO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Bring half and half and pistachios to boil in heavy small saucepan. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Whisk sugar, yolks and flour in medium bowl to blend. Bring half and half mixture to simmer; gradually whisk into yolk mixture.Return to same saucepan; stir over medium heat until mixture bubbles thickly, about 5 minutes. Mix in vanilla. Transfer to processor; blend until nuts are very finely chopped. Transfer pistachio pastry cream to bowl. Cover and cool to room temperature, about 2 hours.
• Using electric mixer, beat unsalted butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add pastry cream by 1/4 cupfuls, beating well after each addition. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before using.)

HOW TO MAKE PISTACHIO BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (VIDEO)

Steps:

• Prepare the pistachio paste first. Place the shelled pistachios into a food processor, or a blender, and pulse until the pistachios are very well ground. Add in the heavy cream and pulse again until a thick paste forms. Set this paste aside.
• Soften the butter at room temperature until it's lightly softened. Place the butter into a mixer bowl and attach a flat beater. Beat the butter on medium to high speed for 7 to 9 minutes, until the butter is fluffy and white in color. Scrap down the sides of the mixing bowl often to ensure all the butter is well mixed.
• Add in the pistachio paste and vanilla extract next. Beat for a few minutes, scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl, until the butter and pistachio paste are well combined.
• Add the confectioner's sugar next. Mix on low speed for, until the sugar is incorporated. Continue to beat on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, until the buttercream is light and fluffy. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to make the color more pleasant.
• If your buttercream is flat and doesn't become fluffy, place it into the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. Once chilled, beat the frosting again until it's fluffy.
• If you're not going to be using the frosting immediately to frost your cake or cupcakes, I recommend keeping it refrigerated.

PISTACHIO PUDDING FROSTING

Steps:

• Prepare pudding mix according to package directions using the 1 1/2 cups milk.
• In a small mixer bowl beat margarine and shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar to beaten mixture; beat till lightly and fluffy. Gradually add pudding, beating well.
• Makes 3 3/4 cups, enough to frost top and sides of one 13x9x2-inch cake or tops and sides of two 8-or9-inch cake layers.
• Source: Better Homes and Gardens Creative Ideas: Holiday Desserts, 1988.