Pistachio Crusted Tilapia

My dad is a hard man to buy gifts for - like most fathers, I'm sure.  And, like most fathers, once we found out what he liked, he pretty much got that every time he received a gift from us.  One of the things he loves are pistachio nuts.  I remember we would buy him 5 pound bags for Christmas and his birthday.  I am pretty sure I helped him eat most of those bags, because, I pretty much loved anything my dad did.  Yes, I was daddy's little girl and I remember many afternoons snacking on pistachios or pepper jack cheese and crackers or even smoked oysters with my dad.  Those are such wonderful memories.  So, when I saw this recipe for pistachio crusted fish, I just knew I had to make it as a homage to my dad.  And I just know, he would love this one!

And, or course, I served this with a little honey mustard sauce - as if you are shocked by this news :)

Pistachio Crusted Tilapia
Adapted from Robin Miller, The Food Network
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon honey
3/4 cup shelled pistachio nuts
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tilapia fillets

Directions:
In a bowl, mix together the Dijon, mayo, and honey.  Remove 2 tablespoons and cover and refrigerate remaining sauce until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a food processor, add the pistachios, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder.  Process until finely chopped (I left mine on the not so finely chopped side because I wanted more texture).  Rinse tilapia, pat dry and place in baking dish sprayed with non stick cooking spray.  Spread the 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce evenly over each piece of fish.  Top with pistachio mixture.  Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.  Serve with remaining honey mustard sauce.  Enjoy!

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