DESCRIPTION
Naturally sweet pecans combine with oats, cinnamon, and dried apples for a delicious, wholesome snack that can be enjoyed on its own or on top of yogurt for breakfast.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup fresh pecan halves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup safflower or pecan or any unflavored oil such as canola or vegetable
- 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped into approximately 3/4-inch pieces
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together oats, cinnamon, ginger, pecans, salt, oil, brown sugar and egg white. Pour mixture in a single layer onto large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring gently halfway through cooking, to not break up clusters.
- After 30 minutes, gently stir in dried apple pieces, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Makes 4 1/2 cups. Serving size is 1/4 cup.
DESCRIPTION
Put a delicious twist on this classic breakfast dish with pecans. Simply combine pecan pieces into the mix and sprinkle additional on top for a flavorful crunch that can be made ahead of time for a weekday morning or if entertaining guests.
Recipe submitted by Jessica Hylton-Leckie, Jessica in the Kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup raw pecan pieces + more for topping
- Cooking spray for coating pan
- 1 3/4 cup gluten free or regular baking flour mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 flax eggs or equivalent amount of egg replacer* or two eggs
- 1 cup coconut sugar or other sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or pecan oil
- 1/2 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain soy yogurt or regular yogurt
- 3/4 cup ripe mashed bananas*
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare your 9 x 5 banana bread pan by coating the inside of pan with cooking spray and then sprinkling with a bit of the flour mix. Set aside.
- In a medium sized bowl, sift the 10 ounces (1 3/4 cup) of the flour mix, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt and whisk to combine.
- In a mixer attachment bowl, add the flax eggs/egg replacer/egg, sugar and coconut oil. Mix together for about 2 minutes on medium-low speed.
- Scrape the vanilla bean and add to the mixture. Add the soy yogurt and the mashed bananas and mix everything together for 2 more minutes on medium low speed, scraping down the sides and bottom to ensure everything is combined.
- Add in 1/2 of the dry ingredients mixture, combine for 30 seconds, and then add in the rest of the dry ingredients mixture. Mix again for another 30 seconds, ensuring everything is combined.
- Remove bowl from mixer and fold in the raw pecan pieces into the batter until evenly distributed. The batter should be thick.
- Add the batter to the banana bread pan and use your spatula to smooth down the top. Sprinkle some pecan pieces on top.
- Bake the banana bread on the top shelf of your oven for 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. You don’t want it to come out clean, so watch your banana bread from about 50 minutes depending on your oven.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes in pan. Transfer the bread to a wire rack by placing the wire rack on top of the bread, then holding the sides of the pan and flipping it over and removing the pan. Hold the sides of the bread to turn right side up. You can also turn the pan over into your hand, and then flip right side up and place on a wire rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely. Slice as desired. Enjoy!
Recipe notes:
- Flax egg recipe: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water.
- Look for very ripe bananas – with dark or black skin.
DESCRIPTION
Blogger Andie Mitchell shares a recipe perfect for grilling season – delicious chicken thighs with Moroccan spices paired with a flavorful pecan couscous.
INGREDIENTS
For the marinade
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup pitted prunes, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pitted green olives
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
For the pecan couscous
- 3/4 cup fresh pecans, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups couscous
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pitted prunes, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pitted green olives, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon pepper, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and ginger.
- In a food processor, pulse the olive oil, prunes, olives, garlic, and spice mixture until smooth paste forms, about 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Transfer the paste to a large bowl with the chicken thighs and toss to coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
- On a gas grill, turn all burners to medium-high, cover, and heat until hot, about 15 minutes. Once hot, oil your cooking grates. Arrange chicken on the grill. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, flip over, and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, until the chicken registers 185 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the chicken thighs to a platter, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken is grilling, make the couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring the broth, salt, and oil to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover tightly with a lid, and remove from heat. Let the couscous stand for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and stir in the lemon juice, parsley, prunes, olives, and pecans. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Arrange the couscous on a large platter, top with the cooked chicken thighs, and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
DESCRIPTION
This rustic Root Vegetable Galette has pecans incorporated in the crust and in the filling for a deliciously nutty punch of flavor. This plant-powered recipe packs in 12 grams of protein and can be paired with a side salad to complete the meal.
Recipe submitted by Chef Julie Harrington, RD.
INGREDIENTS
For the crust
- 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes, chilled
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 medioum sweet potato, peeled
- 2 beets, peeled
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- For the crust, pulse the pecans in a food processor until coarsely ground. Add flour, salt, and sugar; pulse to combine. Add the chilled butter and pulse until a coarse meal forms. As the food processor is pulsing, slowly stream in the cold water until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a work surface, form dough into a ball then press flat into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and allow dough to chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the leek in half, then make thin half moon slices. Finely chop the garlic.
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook until softened. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from the pan in a bowl. Let slightly cool, then mix in the ricotta cheese.
- Using a mandolin, slice the sweet potatoes and beets thin. Alternatively, use a knife.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to the baking sheet. Spread the ricotta mixture on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. On the top, layer the sweet potato and beet slices. Sprinkle with thyme. Fold the edges of the dough filling over, tucking and overlapping.
- Brush the edges with egg wash.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and vegetables are soft (cook time will vary on how thick the vegetables are cut and how thin the crust is.)
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped pecans and goat cheese. Cut into slices and serve.
DESCRIPTION
A soothing treat. Made with fragrant, dairy-free almond milk, it’s the perfect finale to a long day of holiday shopping.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups vanilla-flavored almond milk
- 2 ounces spiced rum
- 1 ounce brandy
- 1/3 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- Light whipped cream to garnish
- Sliced almonds to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Over low heat, combine almond milk, rum, brandy, almond extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly with a whisk until very warm.
- Pour into large mugs, leaving an inch of room to the top. Top with whipped cream, sliced almonds and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
DESCRIPTION
In this easy dinner recipe, tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich basil pesto made with toasted hazelnuts. Make this a heartier vegetarian meal by adding roasted mushrooms or chickpeas, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish.
INGREDIENTS
Pasta
- 1 pound penne, cooked to al dente
- ¾ cup Hazelnut Pesto (recipe below)
- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
Pesto
- 5 cups loosely packed basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup toasted hazelnuts
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the pesto. Add the basil, garlic, hazelnuts, Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of the olive oil to a blender or food processor. Pulse in 10 to 15 second intervals to chop all ingredients. With the machine on low, slowly pour in the remaining olive oil. Scrape the sides of the container as needed.
- Blend for about 20 seconds until all ingredients are finely chopped and a thick pesto results. Stir in the salt and pepper.
- Place the warm pasta in a large bowl. Add the pesto and toss to coat the pasta well. Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with hazelnuts and shaved Parmesan. Serve warm.
DESCRIPTION
These individual servings of overnight oatmeal deliver a tasty chocolate treat while being loaded with healthy ingredients. Prepared in jars, it’s easy to take this dairy-free breakfast to-go on a busy morning!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ¾ cups Bob’s Red Mill Old-Fashioned Oats
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 cups Pacific Natural Foods Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
- ¾ cup fresh raspberries
- ¾ cup roasted hazelnuts, halved or roughly chopped
- Berries and finely chopped hazelnuts for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the oats and chia seeds to a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and stir well.
- Spoon half of the oats into the bottom of four half-pint jars. Divide the raspberries among the jars and then top the raspberries with an equal amount of hazelnuts. Press with a spoon to pack in the ingredients. Spoon the remaining oats into each jar and pour any milk from the bottom of the bowl into the jars. Press again to pack the ingredients.
- Place a lid on the jar and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Before serving, stir and top with more fresh berries and finely chopped hazelnuts.
DESCRIPTION
Walnut butter is easy to make, and offers a variety of convenient applications. Spread on crostini and garnish with a slice of fruit or fresh herbs for an elegant appetizer, or use it as a dip for crisp vegetables for a quick snack.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups California walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons walnut or vegetable oil (or as needed)
- Optional, to taste: A little honey A little cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
You can make walnut butter using raw, soaked or toasted walnuts. Here’s how to do all three, and why they’re different.
Raw walnuts: Use raw walnuts for a very creamy and smooth texture that tastes like a just-shelled walnut.
Soaked walnuts: This method will remove some of the tannin from the walnut skin, and offer a more textured walnut butter. Soak walnuts overnight, drain and discard the water. Then, toast the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350° F for up to 15 minutes to dry them out (don’t let them get dark!). Cool the walnuts before making them into butter.
Toasted walnuts: To enhance the sweet, nutty flavor of walnuts, toast them before making them into butter. Walnut butter with toasted walnuts will provide a coarse textured finished product. Toast walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet at 350° F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Cool the walnuts before making them into butter.
TO MAKE BUTTER
- Make walnut butter by putting the walnuts in the bowl of a food processor and grinding them until they become sticky or paste-like. Add the salt. Add the oil, a little bit at a time until the walnut butter binds together. If you like, add small touches of honey and/or cinnamon to taste.
DESCRIPTION
“This easy veggie quiche with a walnut crust is a delicious quiche recipe perfect for weekend brunch or even meal prep. The crust is made with walnuts, providing some extra protein (4g/oz) and good fats (like 2.5g/oz of omega-3 ALA).” – Erin Morrissey, Erin Lives Whole
INGREDIENTS
Walnut Crust
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted in oven at 300 for 10 minutes
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon cold water
Veggie Quiche
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small red pepper, diced
- 1 head broccoli cut into small pieces
- 1 (5ounces) bag fresh spinach
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine walnuts, flour, garlic and salt in a food processor. Process until mixture becomes a sandy texture. Add egg, avocado oil and 2 tablespoons cold water. Pulse until dough forms, adding additional water if necessary.
- Form a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll out into a 12-inch circle. Gently lay into prepared pie dish. Using tines of fork, poke holes in bottom of crust. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoon avocado oil in large skillet. Add onion, pepper, and broccoli; cook and stir 8 minutes or until softened. Add spinach; cook and stir 1 minute or until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in large bowl; whisk well. Stir in half of the cheese and veggie mixture.
- Pour egg mixture into slightly cooled crust and top with other half of cheese.
- Bake in oven for 35 minutes or until middle is set.
- Let cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
DESCRIPTION
Sweet and salty honey glazed California walnuts, mango quinoa, plant-based milk, fresh blueberries and strawberries topped with shaved dark chocolate.
Recipe by Chef Jason Knoll.
INGREDIENTS
Honey Glazed Walnuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 2 cups California walnuts, rough chopped
Mango Quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 1/4 cups 1/4-inch diced ripe mango
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
Toppings
- 2 cups walnut or other plant-based milk
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 3 tablespoons shaved dark chocolate
INSTRUCTIONS
- To prepare Honey Glazed Walnuts, preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir together honey, sugar, salt and butter in a large bowl. Add walnuts and toss well to coat.
- Spread on baking sheet and bake for 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, twice. Let cool, stirring occasionally, then break into small bite-size pieces.
- Meanwhile, bring all Mango Quinoa ingredients to a boil in a large pot. Cover and cook over low heat for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- For each serving, place 3/4 cup Mango Quinoa the bottom of a bowl and pour 1/4 cup milk around the edges. Sprinkle 1/4 cup strawberries, 2 tablespoons blueberries, 1/3 cup Honey Glazed Walnuts and 1 teaspoon shaved chocolate.
