Walnuts

Walnuts are a form of tree nut that are thought to have their roots in Persia, an ancient region that is now modern Iran. They are the oldest tree food known to man, dating back to 7000 B.C. and even appear in archaeological records beginning 17,000 years ago in southern France.

Walnuts are an excellent source of heart healthy fats, protein and fiber, and are rich in antioxidants. This makes them a satisfying and filling food that can be eaten as a delicious and nutritious snack.

How to use walnuts

Walnuts are easy to use and can be eaten straight out of their packaging. There is no need to wash or cook walnuts prior to eating them. They can be purchased in their whole form, chopped in pieces or ground into a meal or flour. Walnuts are delicious on their own, added into meals and on top of salads, or used to bake with. They can also be purchased in their shell, which would require a de-shelling tool to remove the nut.

Here is a delicious recipe that uses walnuts!

Best Ever Banana Nut Muffins

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 23 minutes Total Time: 38 minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

https://thebusybaker.ca/best-ever-banana-nut-muffins/#wprm-recipe-container-7484

Ingredients

For the muffins

3 large ripe bananas
3/4 cup white sugar
1 large egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
3/4 cups chopped walnuts

For the topping

3/4 cups chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (or grease very well with butter or cooking spray if you prefer not to use paper liners).
Mash the bananas in a large bowl and mix in the sugar and egg with a wooden spoon until well blended.
Add the vegetable oil and mix well.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg, along with 3/4 cup of the chopped walnuts. Adding the walnuts with the dry ingredients helps prevent over-mixing.
Mix everything together just until the flour disappears and the walnuts are distributed evenly throughout the batter.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup walnuts, brown sugar and melted butter and mix until the walnuts are coated.
Spoon the muffin batter evenly into the 12 muffin cups and spoon a bit of the coated walnuts onto the top of each one, making sure the topping is well distributed onto the top of each muffin (not in one big clump or it might sink into the muffin as it bakes!).
Bake for about 20-23 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the muffins comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool in their tins for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

These muffins freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Replace the vegetable oil with applesauce, if desired.

Tips and tricks for walnuts:

Store walnuts in a cool, dark, dry place
Walnuts can be stored for over a year in a refrigerator or freezer
Before serving to others, be sure there is no walnut allergy

Ways to eat walnuts:

Top salads with chopped walnuts
Make homemade granola with a mixture of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, using walnuts
Make a pesto sauce using walnuts and use with pasta or flatbread
Top yogurt or oatmeal with chopped walnuts and fruit
Sprinkled on leafy green or fruit salads.
Finely ground in dips and sauces.
Chopped and used in whole-grain breads and scones.
Crushed to use as a coating on fish or chicken.
Lightly browned in your favorite stir-fry recipe.
Roasted, chopped and used on pasta or vegetables.