Go Nuts this Fourth of July

• Date posted:  06/26/2024 
• Posted in:
• Nut Usage Ideas,

The Fourth of July is approaching, a time to celebrate the United States of America, including our traditional dishes. Why not celebrate our fine country all month long with an American classic dish each day. Better yet, add tree nuts for added nutrition, flavor and texture!

• Pancakes for Breakfast – While many countries have their own rendition of a pancake, the pancake stack doused with maple syrup, and layered with bananas, pecans or walnuts is undeniably American and a great way to start your day!
• Corn on the Cob – Traveling from Mexico up through the Southern US, and now widely celebrated all over the country, corn is ubiquitous to the US diet. For a fancier take on the classic corn on the cob, try spreading it with pine nut or hazelnut pesto.
• Coleslaw – Though it’s origin dates back to Ancient Rome and some say it is intrinsically Dutch, coleslaw, classically made with mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar, is a true American classic. It’s an easy dish to jazz up with fresh herbs, toasted sliced almonds or chopped macadamias, and you could even use yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Devilled Eggs – It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that Devilled eggs found their way to the US, (another one with Ancient Rome origins), but they are here to stay! Devilled eggs were originally made hot and spicey (that’s how they got their name), but now they are an open playground for cooks to create their own version – curried, topped with caviar or topped with finely diced nuts such as pistachios.
• Hamburgers – Whether traced to Hamburg or the US, the hamburger is about as common to the American diet as Coke. Basically, ground meat slapped on a roll, the burger has been reinvented many times over with various types of meat and fillings.  Ground lamb and yogurt sauce and pork and apple burgers are two examples. Or how about a vegetarian version featuring grains, vegetables and nuts?  We have one for you here!
• BBQ Ribs – Arguments will erupt around the US about the who made the first BBQ Ribs – was it in the deep South, Chicago, or Texas? However, there’s no denying that BBQ Ribs grace many tables on July 4^th. Imagine ribs with a spicy Romesco Sauce, a Pecan and Red Pepper Sauce or Pistachio Aioli, or give your ribs a crust of diced nuts for contrasting texture.
• Apple Pie – Just mere mention of the word brings up memories of grandma’s kitchen and the aromas of baking pies – pure comfort!  And nuts have such a great place in an apple, pear, apricot, peach or rhubarb pie. Start with the pastry. Here’s a twist on apple pie, made into a rustic Galette with a pastry made with ground nuts – great for the dairy free crowd. Or scatter apples with chopped nuts before baking for a lovely earthy addition.

Wishing you a healthy and happy July 4th and remember to take a bag of tree nuts on your hike, bike ride or swim to keep you going!