What’s better than a warm, buttery croissant to soothe your soul and fill your tummy? One that’s packed with protein and gut-friendly cultures covered in dark chocolate and sweet, nutty pistachios!
Our Chocolate Pistachio Farmer Cheese Croissants are like little pillows of heaven with a creamy center thanks to Lifeway Farmer Cheese, our handcrafted cheese that’s made in small batches and packed with 15 grams of complete protein per 1/2 cup. Homemade chocolate sauce and bright green pistachios add an embellishing touch of rich flavors that tap into the trendy flavor combinations all over your social feed.
Plus, like Lifeway Farmer Cheese, pistachios are having quite a moment. These bright green gems are filled with benefits for gut health, starting with their prebiotic fiber that feeds your gut bacteria and helps beneficial bacteria like the live cultures found in Lifeway Farmer Cheese (and Lifeway Kefir) thrive. Pistachios are also high in polyphenols, a compound found in various plant foods that feeds beneficial gut bacteria and offers protective benefits for the microbiome. Lastly, pistachios are high in healthy fats, plant protein, and important B vitamins that support metabolism for optimal energy along with brain function.
Chocolate, a well-known superfood, is also packed with polyphenols, along with fiber, magnesium, iron, and brain-supportive, heart-healthy compounds that help boost blood flow and support a healthy mood.
So pick up a container of Lifeway Farmer Cheese next time you head to your local store (find it near you here), and give this recipe a try anytime you want to treat yourself to a healthy, easy recipe with a trendy, gut-healthy twist!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes Servings: 2-4Ingredients
For the Croissants:
- croissants of choice or your favorite pastry bread
- 1 cup Farmer Cheese
- 2 tsp. raw honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 -1/3 cup crushed raw pistachio kernels
For the Dark Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1/2 a bar of your favorite dark chocolate bar, slightly melted (or use dark chocolate chips)
Directions
- Toast your croissants if preferred, then slice open.
- In a bowl, mix Lifeway Farmer Cheese with raw honey or maple syrup. Spread over the croissants and top with crushed pistachios.
- Melt the chocolate bark or chips in the microwave using 30 sec increments until just melted, or use a double-broiler method on the stove to melt the chocolate.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top, then sprinkle with more crushed pistachios, if you prefer. Serve alone or with fresh berries.
