Pistachio Bites

Ahh, I love this time a year. The cool crisp air, the warm fire in the fire place, yummy hot chocolate, little kids running around the zoo in their Halloween costumes.. For 6 days every October my zoo has what they call Boo at the Zoo. They have lots of candy for the kids, wonderful carnival foods (funnel cakes!), professional pumpkin carving and tons of other fun things for the kiddos. Did I mention the yummy funnel cakes? We usually close at 4, but for Boo at the Zoo we reopen at 5:30 and stay open till 8, that way you get to be at the zoo after dark for extra creepiness! I plan on attending with my sister on Monday. I promise to take lots of pictures!

Anyways, on with the cookies! If you like pistachios, you'll love these cookies!

Pistachio Bites

Prep time: 20 min Baking time: 8 min

Temp: 350 Makes: 6 dozen cookies

Batter:

1 cup butter

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup coarsely chopped shelled pistachios

Topping:

6 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating ( almond bark), chopped

1 teaspoon shortening

1/2 cup coarsely chopped shelled pistachios

Combine butter and brown sugar in large bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour, almond extract n vanilla. Beat until well mixed and dough forms. Stir in 1/2 cup pistachios until evenly distributed in dough.

Divide dough in half; shaped each half into 10-inch log. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; refrigerate until firm (at least 3 hours or over night).

Heat oven to 350. Cut 1 log at a time, keeping remaining log in fridge, into 1/4-inch slices with sharp knife. Place onto ungreased cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.

Place candy coating and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir; continue microwaving, stirring every 15 seconds, until candy coating is melted and smooth.

Place waxed paper onto flat surface. Dip each cookie halfway into warm coating; shake off excess. Place onto waxed paper. Immediately decorate with pistachios.

This cookies are awesome. The girls at work call them happy cookies and claim I put something in them to make everyone happy.. They are just that good!!

Until next time enjoy!!!