The weekend is finally here!  Make it a memorable one!

Did you know that today is National Pistachio Day?  Try this recipe for Blondies with Salted Pistachios or this recipe for Orange Roasted Beets with Pomegranate and Pistachio from Sweet Paul Magazine!

BLONDIES WITH SALTED PISTACHIOS

2 sticks salted butter

8 ounces white chocolate, chopped

3 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup pistachios, salted, roughly chopped

1 lemon, zest only (preferably organic)

Preheat oven to 365 degrees.  Melt butter in a small saucepan.  Melt the chocolate gently in a double boiler.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until light and fluffy.  Fold the melted butter and chocolate into the batter.  Add the pistachios and lemon zest and pour the batter into a 9 x 9" baking pan.  Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.  Bake the blondies the day before serving for best results. 

ORANGE ROASTED BEETS WITH POMEGRANATE AND PISTACHIOS

3 pounds beets, peeled and cut into wedges

3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice from 1/2 orange

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 cup chopped pistachios

grated zest from 1 orange

balsamic glaze

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix beets, oil, juice, salt and pepper.  Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet and roast the beets until soft.  This will take about 15 minutes.  Take them out and sprinkle with pomegranate, pistachios, and orange zest.  Drizzle with glaze and serve.

Throw an Oscar Party

The Academy Awards are Sunday February 28th.  Celebrate like the stars and plan a dazzling, festive event!  Watch the stars gather on Hollywood's biggest night of the year.  Here are a few ideas for your Soiree!

Have a popcorn topping bar and include chocolate candies, jelly beans, white chocolate chips, pretzels, salted peanuts and mini caramels.  Set out boxes of popcorn among the bowls of toppings.

Make a Signature Cocktail.  I like this one called The Winner!

1 bottle Brut Champagne

8 ounces St. Germain Elderflower liquer

1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 ounces lemon seltzer to top

In a small pitcher mix liquer and lemon juice.  Pour a splash into each champagne flute.  Fill with champagne and top with seltzer.  Serve.

Start reading a new book.  When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a #1 New York Times Best Seller, or check out Oprah's top 77 picks here.

Meditate for 15 minutes on Saturday morning!  Learn about the benefits of meditating here.

Incorporate some new ideas into your wardrobe!  Read this article about The 11 Things All Insanely Stylish People Do!

I hope you all have a great weekend! 

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Images from Huffington Post and Pinterest