Wonderful Pistachios

Unless you’re a complete recluse, you probably know there is no right (or wrong) way to open a pistachio by now, but there are a myriad of answers to the equation . Take a look at our 2011 Get Crackin’ ads, for instance, where our cast of characters showcase their unique approaches to the task at hand.

This week, we chose seven creative ways to open a pistachio provided by YOU — our wonderful fans.

1. The Resourceful

“I crack it open with my teeth. But when I had braces, I would get a spoon and crack it open,” writes Diana V. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. (Kudos to Diana for using everyday household items to spare her braces the burden of having to get crackin’.)

2. The Carpenter

“When I get one that doesn’t have a little opening, I use a tack hammer,” says Patricia G. “It’s small enough so I don’t mash my fingers. Can’t let it go to waste!” (That’s our motto, too: waste not, want not.)

3. The Athlete

“I bounce a basketball on it,” says Danielle A. (Mr. Lamar Odom would be proud.)

4. The Baker

“Roll over on it,” exclaims Michelle. “I use my rolling pin. It’s good for dough but perfect for crackin’ Wonderful Pistashios shells.” (Glad we aren’t the pistachios at the mercy of Michelle’s rolling pin.)

5. The Sharp Shooter

“Shoot the pistachios using a sling shot with a basket underneath to catch the nuts,” explains Russell H. “The shells fly away and the pistachios fall into the basket.” (Only a cowboy could hit a bullseye like that.)

6. The Intellectual

“I spread them all out on a table, and slam a hardcover book on top of them” says Jery L. (How refined!)

7. The MacGyver

“I sometimes use the nail clippers to squeeze it open,” reveals Nicole W. “Not the clipper part. The handle makes a good nut cracker.” (Who knew???)

So what’s your especially creative way to open a pistachio? Leave your answer in the comments! Clever answers may be featured in future blogs.