I am so excited to let you know May 17 National Walnut Day #NationalWalnutDay. I love Walnuts and a lot of times I have a package of Walnuts and Pecans sitting on my desk for my snack throughout the day. Which is healthy and a perfect snack for me. Other times I like for David to make me Betty Crocker Brownie Mix Delights Supreme Walnut.
Sky is the limit when it comes to Walnuts and I can’t wait to get Charlie into the kitchen this week for his Homeschool Home Economics Cooking Class and to see what he creates out of Walnuts. If it was my choice I would make Chocolate Chip Cookies with Walnuts. If you were making something with Walnuts what would you make and why?
Walnuts may not be as popular as Almonds or Peanuts, which is crazy and why we should show walnuts some respect: because there great for our heart, our brain, and our bones. Looks like I need to make sure David tries Walnuts each day. Did you know 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 we’ve celebrated on May 17th ever since.
NATIONAL WALNUT DAY ACTIVITIES
- I have a question for you. Don’t you find food tastes better when you’ve worked a bit for it? Purchase Walnuts still in their shells, grab a nutcracker (or a hammer), and get cracking. Did you know cracking Walnuts doubles as a stress-relieving exercise!
- 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 like Cinnamon and Ginger). Toss the Walnuts in until they’re coated; then spread the Walnuts out on parchment paper to cool. Pack the Walnuts into small jars. Then distribute the jars of Walnuts among your friends and family.
- Did you know Nocino is an Italian liqueur made from unripe Walnuts. Nocino is a nutty, sweet, strong, and a bit spicy beverage. In other words, Nocino will warm you right up. The Italians drink it on its own as a digestif, but Nocino also pairs very well with brown spirits. Wouldn’t it be a great addition to a Manhattan?
Why People Love Walnuts
- walnuts can be eaten raw or toasted, pickled or candied.
- Walnuts are added to a wide range of Cereals, baked into Pies, Cakes, and Cookies, tossed onto Ice Cream, used in Pesto and other Sauces, and processed into Oils and Nut Butters.
- There is Ink still made today from Walnut husks which is said to have been used by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt for writing and drawing.
- Walnut Shells are crushed for use as landscape mulch,
- The abrasive quality of ground Walnut Shells also makes them useful in cleaning products.
- Walnuts are especially abundant in the U.S. and China, Walnuts are also cultivated in Iran, Turkey, Mexico, Ukraine, Chile, England, Slovenia, and Romania.
- Walnuts have been used to reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and freshen breath
- Did you know a Walnut Tree can live to be 250 years old
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL WALNUT DAY
- Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse and they are the only Nut with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat just a quarter cup, 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. Walnuts are high in protein and fiber, so they make a great snack.
- Walnuts are the oldest known tree food and they date back to 7000 B.C.! Walnuts we eat today are known as English Walnuts, but they actually originated in ancient Persia where Walnuts 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. Walnuts eventually made it to England, where merchants would sail them to ports around the world, hence the “English” name.
- Walnuts are great in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes. Eat Walnuts by themselves, or chop them up and toss Walnuts in Cookies, Oatmeal, Salads, Sauces, or Cakes, you name it! Calling all vegetarians/vegans: Walnuts texture makes for a great meat-substitute.
Recipe for Walnut Brownies
Servings: 12 Yield: 1 dozen
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 6 tablespoons carob powder
- 1 cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 egg white
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Pour into large mixing bowl and stir in carob powder, sugar, salt, flour, and vanilla. Mix in egg whites and walnuts. Spread the dough evenly into the baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
