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Walnut Chia Overnight Oats

Description

Sweeten up your breakfast and take the stress out of your mornings by preparing these overnight oats the night before. The maple and vanilla are combined with oats and California Walnuts to give you a hearty and delicious breakfast on-the-go.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped California walnuts
  • 1/3 cup chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Chopped California walnuts, assorted fresh berries (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Stir together all ingredients except toppings in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Spoon into small bowls and top with additional walnuts and berries.

Apple Walnut Hand Pies

Description

These mini apple pies are filled with fresh apples and dried cranberries, making them a perfect holiday dessert. Cooking them in an air fryer makes the pastry crisp and flakey.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 2/3 cup chopped California walnuts
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Crust

  • 1 box refrigerated pie dough
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped California walnuts
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

  1. To prepare filling, melt butter in a large nonstick skillet. Add apples and cook for 10 minutes or until soft. Add walnuts, brown sugar, cranberries and cinnamon and cook for a few minutes more. Set aside to cool.
  2. Unroll each pie dough on a very lightly floured board and sprinkle with walnuts. Gather into a ball and knead several times to incorporate walnuts into dough.
  3. Roll into an 11-inch circle and cut into circles about 4 1/2-inches in diameter. Re-roll scraps and repeat to make 10 circles. Using your fingertips, coat the outside of each circle with water.
  4. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple mixture into the center of each pastry circle . Bring up 2 edges and pinch the edges to seal in the filling. Crimp firmly with a fork and coat with cooking spray.
  5. Preheat an air fryer set to 350°F for 3 minutes. Cook for 10 minutes or until pies are a light golden brown.
  6. Replace apples with 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced ripe pears and prepare as directed above, melting the butter before adding to the pears.

Strawberry Walnut Date Smoothie

Description

This smoothie gets its nutty flavor from California walnuts and is sweetened with fresh strawberries and dates.

ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups hulled, quartered strawberries
  • 1/2 cup California Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or 1 5.3-oz. cup)
  • 1/2 cup walnut milk (may substitute dairy milk)
  • 3 pitted dates, coarsely chopped
  • Chopped California Walnuts (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a small blender or food processor and process until smooth.
  2. Garnish with additional walnuts, if desired.

Spiced Walnut Trail Mix

Description

When you’re on the go and need a pick-me-up, this sweet and savory trail mix is a perfect balance of flavors. Just prepare the walnuts and mix everything together. Transfer to a portable container of your choosing and you’re good to go!

Ingredients

Toasted Spiced Walnuts

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup California walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Trail Mix

  • 2 cups popcorn
  • 1 cup pretzels
  • 1/2 cup granola
  • 1/3 cup dried apricots
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add walnuts and stir well.
  2. Sprinkle curry, chili powder, cumin and chili flakes over walnuts and stir until walnuts are well coated. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until toasted. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.
  3. Place walnuts in a large bowl with all trail mix ingredients and toss well. Store in a tightly covered container. Take on the go in a mason jar or glass container.

Walnut Meat Nachos

Description

Serve up a plant-forward appetizer in no time with these walnut meat nachos. The spicy walnut meat is full of tantalizing flavors that complement the chips and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Spicy Walnut Meat

  • 1 1/2 cups California Walnuts
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water

Other Nacho Ingredients

  • 6 servings tortilla chips (about 8 cups)
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons refried beans
  • 1 1/2 cups traditional or vegan cheese (Mexican blend, Cheddar, Jack or pepper-Jack)
  • Diced tomato, diced avocado, fresh cilantro leaves, jalapeño slices, pickled onion, sour cream, hot sauce or salsa and lime wedges (optional garnishes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place all Spicy Walnut Meat ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well-mixed and crumb like. The mixture should look and smell like taco meat and will hold its shape when gently pinched between your fingers.
  3. Place half the chips on prepared baking sheet and top with half the beans, cheese and taco meat. Repeat layers.
  4. Bake for 12 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and chips are lightly browned. Serve with any desired garnishes.

California Walnut Meatless Meatballs

Description

You won’t miss the beef in this healthier version of the classic Italian favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Transfer to a food processor with walnuts, rice, roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, and egg. Pulse until combined, but not mushy.
  4. Form into 8 equal balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Cook for 12 minutes or until firm to the touch. Serve with California Walnut Pesto or Muhammara Sauce.

California Walnut Steak House Burger Patty

Description

These beefy tasting burgers get their flavor from a steak house seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 3/4 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup cooked red lentils
  • 6 tablespoons caramelized onions, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons steak house seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • Optional: add 1 egg and ¼ cup of panko for firmer texture
  • Additional oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Place walnuts in a food processor and pulse to coarsely chop. Add kidney beans and lentils and pulse to combine.
  2. Add caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, steak house seasoning, olive oil and salt and pulse to blend but not mushy. Form into 4 large patties.
  3. Heat grill or flat top. Brush patties with olive oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side or nicely seared.

California Walnut Larb Lettuce Wraps

Description

This vegetarian version of the traditional Lao salad is made with walnut meat. Served in lettuce with vegetables and a dipping sauce, it makes a light and fresh dish. Recipe by Chef Ann Kim.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced

Larb:

  • 2 1/2 cups California walnuts
  • 1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped shallots
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed or canola oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
  • 4 teaspoons fish sauce (or vegetarian substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 to 2 Thai chilis, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 16 iceberg lettuce leaves or other leafy lettuce
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Mint and cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 8 lime wedges

Instructions

  1. To prepare dipping sauce, stir together all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. To prepare larb, place walnuts and chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped
  3. Add shallots, 2 tablespoons oil, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, garlic, lime leaves, and chilis. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped and resembles ground pork, stirring and moving the mixture around the food processor to ensure an even mix.
  4. Heat remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add “larb” mixture and saute for 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture is nicely browned. Remove from heat and stir in scallions.
  5. Place lettuce leaves, radishes, cucumbers, herbs, and dipping sauce on a large platter and spoon “larb” into a serving bowl. Spoon “larb” into lettuce leaves and top with desired vegetables. Serve with lime wedges.

Orecchiette with Walnut Sausage and Broccoli Ragu

Description

This delicious pasta is flavored with walnut sausage, walnut ricotta, and walnut parmesan.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes.
  2. Add blanched broccoli, stock, pasta water and pasta and cook on high for 2 minutes or until sauce had reduced and pasta is glazed. Stir in walnut sausage.
  3. Finish with lemon juice and garnish with walnut ricotta, walnut Parmesan, lemon zest and red pepper flakes.

Cottage Cheese-Walnut Caprese Toast

Description

The classic Caprese salad was the inspiration for this perfect mid-day snack or go-to weekday meal when you’re short on time. Crunchy, toasted bread is topped with cottage cheese, tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil and finished with a drizzle of balsamic syrup. Recipe by Beth Stark, RDN, LDN.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 4 slices whole-grain bread, toasted
  • 1 1/3 cups low fat 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 cup multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh basil
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange walnuts evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes, checking frequently, until toasted.
  2. Spread cottage cheese evenly over each slice of toasted bread. Layer with tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic syrup.