I haven’t had great pistachios since Zaloom 7 Star disappeared when the US Embassy was taken over in Tehran 36 years ago.
The California product is not as good.
As for the OP’s question…
we use pistachio’s in baking (cakes, pastries) In fact it was the flavor of our wedding cake about 45 years ago.
We also use pistachios in the stuffing for veal breast, rolled pickled beef roast and capons.
Lastly, it was a family tradition to use pistachios instead of coins or candy when playing Dreidl on Chanukah