Every year I buy a bag of nuts at Christmastime – and tell myself we should eat them more during the year. But somehow we never do. I listened to Farming Today on Radio 4 the other morning, with a feature about Hurstwood Farm in Kent – and the wonderful Kentish Cobnuts [it was at 5.45am, but I had woken early – I do not usually listen to Farmers’ Radio!] It made me want to dash out and get some cobnuts. Here in Leicester they call them filberts. The mascot of Leicester City FC is even called Filbert Fox
I have bought a bag of mixed nuts, and dug out the nutcracker.
My favourite nuts are almonds, and always have been, even before I met Bob.
I like peanuts too, but technically they are not a nut, but a legume. Pistachios are great – I love the green colour. Not so keen on walnuts. Roasted chestnuts are lovely [and easy to do in the microwave] Brazils are tasty, but such hard work to shell. Pecans are OK. Cashews are defined botanically as a seed.
These are my wooden handled nutcrackers – inherited from my MIL, and the nuts in my hand-crafted wooden bowl [a treasured Christmas gift from Chris a few years back] I somehow feel that nuts should be kept in a wooden bowl – I love all the shiny browns and different textures.
What is your favourite nut – and do you eat them simply shelled just as they are, or use them in cooking? If so – what recipes can you recommend?
I love cashews! Sadly, Jack has a tree nut allergy, so we don't usually keep cashews in the house (also: I'd eat them all the time). We do keep almonds, which Jack stays away from. I try to eat a handful--and only a handful--every day.
ReplyDeletexofrances
Sorry Ang. I really do not like nuts. Chestnuts are the nearest I come. My husband on the other hand would eat every walnut on all the local trees! I have nutcrackers just like yours!
ReplyDeleteAngela, you are in vegan territory!
ReplyDeleteCashews , in fact any nut, make a yummy nut roast (great for vegeatarians and vegans at Christmas). I make spiced nuts ( for nibbles and throwing into tossed salads) using almonds or cashew or pecans or walnuts. Cashews can always be tossed into a stir fry for extra protein too. I cannot eat nuts "raw" though...can't seem to swallow them.
If anyone would like any recipes, please let me know , I am happy to share.
Jane x
You can usually hand pick cobnuts at Beacon Hill, though I suspect by now they've been nobbled by the squirrels.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite nuts, hmmm, that's a tricky one... but if I am permitted to think laterally I quite like ginger nuts!
What an amazingly diverse set of responses! thanks everyone. I should like to see your recipe for spiced nuts, Jane - can you put it on your blog sometime, please?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely , Angela.
ReplyDeleteJust off to the dentist's now...nothing to do with eating nuts!
Jane x
I am so glad I came across your blog today :)
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed readign several of your posts.
My family loves nuts...pecans, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts.
My hubby's favorite pecan recipe includes cranberries, another favorite of his, enjoy :)
Nantucket Cranberry Tart Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Directions
• In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar and pecans. Transfer to a greased 11-in. fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Place on a baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, beat the eggs, butter, extract and remaining sugar. Beat in flour just until moistened (batter will be thick). Spread evenly over berries.
• Bake at 325° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings