Sweet & Spicy Holiday Cocktail California Walnuts

If you're looking for a quick, easy and delicious (not to mention healthy!) appetizer to serve for your guests for the upcoming Holiday gathering, why not try walnuts?

They're the perfect pairing with wine and cocktails and won't be overly filling so your guests still have room in their tummies for more delicious holiday goodies.

Let's face it, as busy moms we don't have the time on our hands to whip up Martha Stewart-esque goodies when want to, especially for me now having a 13 week old baby and a pre-schooler that keep me more than busy.

These California Walnuts in particular are amazing!

They have a sweet mellow flavour and not at all bitter (unlike some I've tried).

Walnuts from California are harvested between August and November each year and then stored in temperature-controlled environments and shipped on demand, year-round. 

The mild flavour and soft texture of walnuts make them a versatile ingredient for flavour profiles in a variety of recipes.

In addition to baking with walnuts, other usage tips include:

• Adding toasted walnuts to stir-fry or sautéed vegetables or as a garnish on desserts for added crunch, flavour and nutrients.
• Adding chopped walnuts to salads, sandwiches, wrap fillings, pasta or rice dishes.
• Mixing ground walnuts and breadcrumbs to encrust salmon fillets, chicken breasts or pork. 
• Spicing walnuts for a great snack.
• Adding finely chopped walnuts to sauces for texture and taste.
• Adding ground walnuts to pie or cheesecake crumb crusts.
• Using walnuts to complement to both mild and aged cheese.

Add a little punch of spice or a sprinkling of sweetness with these easy recipes from California Walnuts.

WARNING: If you thought walnuts weren't addictive to snack on by itself, just wait until you make these recipes. 

You won't be able to stop popping them in your mouth!

If you're Canadian, then you've definitely got a stash hanging around of our delicious liquid gold -- Maple Syrup!

Grab some sesame seeds and you've got all the ingredients required for some tasty Maple Candied Walnuts.

Maple Candied Walnuts

INGREDIENTS 

• 4 cups (1 L) California Walnut halves
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

1. COMBINE walnuts and maple syrup in a large bowl; mix until evenly coated. Stir in sesame seeds.
2. SPREAD on non-stick, or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes, stirring twice, until walnuts are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheet; walnuts will become dry and crunchy as they cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

MAKES: 18 servings, approx. 8 walnuts per serving. Total 4 cups (1 L).

This is my  personal favourite! Even my picky 4 year old enjoys snacking on them. 

I make them all the time now and even make small batches for family and friends wrapped nicely in packaging or mason jars with a bottle of wine.  They LOVE them!

Advance planning, prioritizing and organizing along with creating homemade gifts can help curb holiday spending and shield your finances, restoring holiday spirit this year.

I personally always prefer when I receive treats that are home made than store-bought.  Not only do I trust it to be a little more healthier, but also more thoughtful!

Another great recipe that will get your taste buds buzzing with flavour is the Sweet & Spicy California Walnuts.

This can get quite spicy so this may not be the best to serve to young children.

If you've got friends and family with adventurous palates, they will surely enjoy this.

Definitely a great match with cocktails.

Sweet & Spicy Walnuts

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) water
• 2 cup (500 mL) California Walnut halves and pieces
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) allspice
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 F (170 C) and line a large shallow baking pan with foil. 
2. Combine egg white and water; beat until foamy.  Add walnut halves and pieces and toss to coat.  Pour the mixture into a strainer and let drain 2-3 minutes. 
3. Combine sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne and salt in a plastic bag; shake to mix.  Add the walnuts; hold the bag shut and shake vigorously to coat the nuts.  Spread the walnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.  
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring twice. Cool completely, stirring occasionally and breaking nuts apart if stuck together. 

Don't worry if they stick to the foil, it is easy to peel them off.

Store in a tightly-capped jar. 

Makes 2 cups, about 8 servings.

Aside from the deliciousness, walnuts have so many great health benefits too!

Check them out:

• Walnuts are the only nut with a significant amount (2.6 g per ounce) of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. 
• Eating a handful of walnuts (one ounce) each day - that’s about 8 -10 walnut halves – may contribute to improved heart health, weight management, bone health, cognitive function,  type 2 diabetes control and enhance male fertility. 
• A handful of walnuts have almost twice the antioxidant content as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut.
• The fat in walnuts is 72.4 per cent heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat.
• Walnuts are naturally sodium, cholesterol and gluten free.

For more great holiday recipes ideas using California Walnuts, visit www.walnutinfo.com.

Happy Holiday Snacking!