Walnuts may not be as popular as Almonds or Peanuts, but Walnuts are my favorite Nut and today let’s show Walnuts love and remind people Walnuts are great for our heart, brain, and our bones. You can incorporate Walnuts into any meal.
Walnuts have literally been around for almost 10,000 years. The Walnut Marketing Board established National Walnut Day in the 1950s, and people have celebrated on May 17th ever since. Come and share your favorite way to eat Walnuts.
I asked David and he said in Brownies. Charlie said Walnuts are good on top of Chocolate Cake. How about inside the Cake? Let’s try it today. For me I like to have Walnuts by there self as snack when working during the day. How about you?
National Walnut Day Activities
- I have a question for you. Don’t you find that food tastes better when you’ve worked a bit for it? Purchase Walnuts still in their shells, then grab a nutcracker (or a hammer), and don’t tell anyone but a shoe also works and get going. Crack those Walnuts. Did you know cracking Walnuts doubles as a stress-relieving exercise!? Let’s get to it because I have a lot of stress to get rid of. What about you?
- Candied Walnuts are an impressive gift that couldn’t be easier to make. In a skillet over medium heat, melt Butter and Sugar, and add any Spices you want (including Cinnamon and Ginger). Toss the Walnuts in this mixture until they’re coated; then spread them out on some parchment paper to cool. Pack the Walnuts into small jars, to share among your friends..
- Nocino is an Italian liqueur made from unripe Walnuts. It’s nutty, sweet, strong, and a bit spicy. In other words, it will warm you right up. The Italians drink Nocino on its own as a digestif, but it also pairs very well with brown spirits.
Why People Are Nuts About Walnuts
- Walnuts can be referred to as kitchen chameleons because these versatile Nuts can be eaten raw or toasted, pickled or candied. Walnuts can be added to a wide range of Cereals, baked into Pies, Which I never thought about. Have you? Added to Cakes, and Cookies, which I love. How about you? Tossed into Ice Cream, used in Pesto and other Sauces, and processed into Oils and Nut Butters.
- Did you know Ink still made today from Walnut husks is said to have been used by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt for writing and drawing?
- The shells can be crushed for use as landscape mulch.
- The abrasive quality of ground Walnut shells also makes them useful in cleaning products.
- Walnuts are specially abundant in the U.S. and China, and Walnuts are also cultivated in Iran, Turkey, Mexico, Ukraine, Chile, England, Slovenia, and Romania.
- Did you know Walnuts have been used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and freshen breath?
- A Walnut tree can live to be 250 years old
Why People Love National Walnut Day
Walnuts are great in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes and Walnuts can be eaten by themselves, or chop Walnuts up and toss them in Cookies, Oatmeal, Salads, Sauces, Cakes, you name it!
Today were calling all vegetarians/vegans: and letting them know the texture of Walnuts makes for a great meat-substitute including Walnut Chorizo.”
Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse and Walnuts are the only Nut with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat just a quarter cup of Walnuts, you’ll have more than 100% of the daily recommended amount. These omega-3s contribute to your brain function, heart health, and reduce inflammation.
Walnuts are also a good source of Vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Plus they’re high in protein and fiber, so they make a great snack.
They’ve got some (ancient) history because Walnuts are the oldest known tree food and Walnuts date back to 7000 B.C.!
The Walnuts we eat today are known as English Walnuts, but they actually originated in ancient Persia where they were considered a delicacy for the Royalty. Walnuts first moved through the Asian and Middle Eastern world by trade along the Silk Road, and then further via Sea trade. They eventually made it to England, where merchants would sail them to ports around the world, hence the “English” name.
Recipe: Chocolate Walnut Cake
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Additional Time: 10 mins Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 12 Yield: 1 – 9×13 inch pan
Ingredients
4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ cup shortening
1 ½ cups white sugar
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and allspice. Set aside.
- In the top of a double boiler, heat chocolate, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm.
- In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Stir in walnuts.
- In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
