Homemade pistachio pudding
	1.	80 grams raw unsalted pistachios (=1/2 C), or: 40 g pistachios, 40 g almonds
	2.	⅔ cup (140 grams) granulated sugar, divided
	3.	2 tablespoons water
	4.	2 cups (480 mL) whole milk
	5.	2 large egg yolks
	6.	2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch
	7.	pinch of salt
	8.	2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
	9.	¼ teaspoon almond extract
	10.	½ teaspoon vanilla extract
	11.	Whipped cream* (optional)
	12.	Roughly chopped pistachios, toasted (optional)

	1.	Combine pistachios and almonds in a skillet. Heat over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until nuts are fragrant. Let cool completely.
	2.	Transfer nuts to the bowl of a food processor. Add ⅓ cup (70 grams) sugar. Process until nuts are a fine powder. Add water and pulse until a paste forms.
	3.	In a large saucepan, whisk together nut paste and milk. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering.
	4.	In the meantime, whisk together remaining ⅓ cup (70 grams sugar), egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. The mixture will clump up at first and may get caught in your whisk; just shake it out and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow in color.
	5.	When milk is simmering, remove from heat. Slowly ladle 1 cup of milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return tempered egg mixture back to the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
	6.	Return saucepan to medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until pudding starts to bubble. Stir for another 45-60 seconds, until thickened. Remove from heat.
	7.	Stir in butter and extracts until butter is melted. Divide pudding among 4-6 ramekins/serving bowls. (If you think there are cooked egg bits in your pudding or you want a smoother pudding without any little nut pieces, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl first.) Cover each serving with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic against the surface of the pudding. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
	8.	If desired, top with whipped cream and chopped, toasted pistachios (or fruit!)
	9.