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Almond Milk Cold Brew

description

Recipe by Chef Todd Humphries for Almond Board of California.

ingredients

  • 3 ounces coarse-ground coffee
  • 2 cups filtered cold water
  • 2 cups skin-on almonds
  • Honey, agave, or simple syrup (optional)

instructions

  1. Combine the ground coffee and filtered water and cover. Steep in the refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
  2. Put the almonds in a large container and pour in enough water to cover them. Put a lid or plastic wrap on the container and leave to soak for at least 8 and up to 48 hours.
  3. Pour the cold-brewed coffee through a coffee filter or fine-mesh strainer. Drain and rinse the almonds.
  4. Line the large strainer with the nut bag or cheesecloth and set them over a large bowl.
  5. Put half of the almonds in a blender and add the cold-brewed coffee. Blend until the nuts are finely chopped. Pour them into the nut bag. Repeat with the remaining almonds and 1 ½ c. fresh water.
  6. Strain out the nut pulp and squeeze it to remove as much almond milk as possible. Sweeten the almond milk coffee if desired. Cover and refrigerate the almond milk coffee and almond pulp; reserve the pulp for other recipes.

Sheet Pan Pecan-Crusted Chicken and Veggies

Description

Nothing beats a one-pan meal the whole family will love! Pecan-crusted chicken is added to a sheet pan alongside carrots and red potatoes for a complete meal that requires just 15 minutes of prep and little clean-up. Recipe by Aubrey Cota, Real Housemoms.

Ingredients

  • Veggies:
    • 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
    • 1 pound baby carrots
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil or pecan oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Pecan-Crusted Chicken:
    • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
    • 1/2 tablespoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup raw pecan pieces or finely chopped raw pecan halves
    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 2 eggs
    • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. For the veggies: Spray a sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Place potatoes and carrots on the pan. Toss vegetables with oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  3. For the chicken: Slice chicken horizontally into 4 cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. In a shallow bowl combine the pecans, breadcrumbs, 1/2 tablespoon salt, thyme, and garlic powder. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
  6. Dip chicken in eggs, then dredge in the pecan mixture, coating both sides. Place on the sheet pan.
  7. Place sheet pan in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and stir the vegetables. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, until golden brown and juices run clear. Remove chicken from sheet pan and transfer to a plate to rest. Cook the vegetables for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Serve chicken, carrots, and potatoes immediately. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Whole Wheat Pecan Banana Muffins

Description

A fluffy and wholesome muffin recipe, naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup and every bite includes a delicious crunch thanks to nutrient-dense pecans. Recipe submitted by Julie Fagan, Peanut Butter Fingers.

INGREDIENTS

  • ¾ c. whole wheat flour
  • ½ c. old fashioned oats
  • 2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 2 ½ tbsp. MCT oil or melted coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 small very-ripe banana, mashed
  • ½ c. light coconut milk (or regular milk)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with six paper muffin liners.
  2. Combine whole wheat flour, oats, flax seeds, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, maple syrup, MCT oil, vanilla, banana and coconut milk.
  4. Gradually pour egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until batter is combined.
  5. Fold in pecans.
  6. Divide the batter into six muffin cups and bake for 15 – 18 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool and enjoy.

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.

Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Butter

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ​Oregon hazelnuts
  • 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. On a medium baking sheet scatter hazelnuts. Place in the oven and bake until fragrant and the skins are blistered, 12-15 minutes. Let cool completely.
  3. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, gently melt dark and milk chocolate, stirring frequently, until smooth. Take pan off heat and set aside.
  4. In a food processor process hazelnuts until ground into a paste. Add oil, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt and process until very smooth. Add melted chocolate and process until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
  5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Hazelnut Pesto

Ingredients

  • 5 cups loosely packed basil leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ½ cup toasted Oregon hazelnuts
  • ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Blend for about 20 seconds until all ingredients are finely chopped and a thick pesto results. Stir in the salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl or use in your favorite recipes.

BBQ POTATOES WITH CANDIED SPICED PISTACHIOS, PISTACHIO CREMA & WATERCRESS

Ingredients

  • 2 Large sweet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons BBQ spice or rub
  • ¼ pound Butter, melted
  • Salt, to taste

FOR THE PISTACHIO CREMA

  • ¼ cup Mexican Crema or creme fraiche
  • 3 tablespoons Pistachio, toasted and ground
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat sweet potatoes with vegetable oil. Rub sweet potatoes with half of the BBQ spice. Bake in oven until the sweet potatoes are cooked about ¾ of the way through. There should be slight resistance if you push a small knife or skewer into the center of the potatoes. Remove from the oven and allow to completely cool. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into wedges. Usually I cut them in half and then cut each half into thirds yielding six pieces total. Baste the sweet potato wedges with melted butter and liberally season with salt and the remaining BBQ spice. Grill over hot coals until the potatoes are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
  2. Serve hot. Garnish with spiced pistachios, drizzle of pistachio crema and watercress sprigs.

Café Latte Brownies with Hazelnuts

Description

These brownies are made rich and decadent with the addition of milk chocolate and finely ground coffee beans. Hazelnuts add a pleasant roasted, nutty flavor with a crunchy bite. The simple frosting adds a creamy note to bring the dessert together for an unforgettable treat!

Ingredients

Brownies

  • ¾ cup raw hazelnuts
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
  • 3 tablespoons Stumptown Coffee Roasters House Blend coffee beans, ground to a fine powder
  • 1 ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons milk (any variety)
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut a piece of parchment paper so that it lines the bottom and two sides of an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. The paper should extend beyond the two sides to allow for lifting the brownies out of the pan once cooled. Spray the paper and the inside of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Halve some of the raw hazelnuts with a knife so that have you a mix of whole and halved nuts. Set aside.
  3. Add the butter and baking chocolate to a small saucepan. Turn the burner to medium heat and warm, stirring often, until the butter and chocolate are melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the finely ground coffee beans.
  4. Place the sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the melted coffee-infused chocolate and butter from the saucepan until smooth. Add the vanilla and then stir in the eggs. Mix in the salt and then fold in the flour until all ingredients are combined into a thick brownie batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Top the batter with chocolate chips and then with the hazelnuts. Gently press them into the batter.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes.
  7. While the brownies cool, make the frosting. Add the butter and powdered sugar to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment. Turn to low and then increase to medium high to blend the ingredients into a crumbly powder. Add the milk and vanilla, mix on high for about 1 minute, until the frosting is light and creamy. Mix in the salt.
  8. Use the parchment to lift the brownies out of the pan. Remove the parchment and place them on a serving plate. Frost the brownies and then sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts. Slice into 9 or 16 squares for serving.

Earl Grey Hazelnut Cookies

Description

These cookies are coated in delicious finely chopped hazelnuts and studded with small bits of floral Earl Grey tea. They are best paired alongside a steaming cup of the tea to bring out their bright flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Steven Smith Teamaker Lord Bergamot Blend No: 55 (1 sachet)
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted hazelnuts, plus 6 hazelnuts, halved
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add the tea leaves to a spice grinder and pulse until finely chopped. Toss the tea with the brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low for 1 minute to combine the flavors. Add the butter and cream for 2 minutes, until smooth and pale brown in color. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
  3. Mix in the vanilla and egg. Add the salt and then the flour. Mix on medium-high until all ingredients are combined into a cookie dough. Place the bowl with the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  4. Spread the finely chopped hazelnuts on a plate and stir in the granulated sugar. Remove the cookie dough from the fridge and roll into 12 balls, a little smaller than the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in the hazelnuts and sugar. Place the cookies on the baking sheet. Press a hazelnut half in the top of each.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and the centers are firm. Let cool on the pan for 3 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.