Best Toasted Walnuts Recipes

CHOPPED APPLE SALAD WITH TOASTED WALNUTS, BLUE CHEESE AND POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Combine the apples, spinach, endive, walnuts and blue cheese in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Whisk together the pomegranate molasses, vinegar, mustard and honey in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. The dressing can be made 2 days in advance and stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

FRESH FIG AND FETA SALAD WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Toasted Walnuts:.
• In a large, heavy frying pan, over a high heat, toast the walnuts for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove and set aside to cool.
• Vinaigrette:.
• Put the vinegar and a good pinch of salt and black pepper in a screw-top jar and shake until the salt has dissolved. Add the mustard and walnut oil, then shake again to emulsify - the emulsion will hold for ten minutes or so, but give it another jiggle just before you use it to dress the salad.
• Salad:.
• Wipe the fresh figs gently, and cut them in half. Arrange them on a large platter, OR on individual plates - allowing 4 to 5 fresh figs per person, depending on the size.
• Sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 ozs of crumbled feta or goat's cheese per person, over the top of the fresh figs.
• Scatter the chopped,toasted walnuts over the fig salad.
• Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, and garnish each plate with 1 - 2 fresh fig leaves if available.
• Serve with crusty bread and butter.
• Can also be served as a dessert/cheese course combined.

PHYLLO-WRAPPED BRIE WITH FIG PRESERVES AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. In 8-inch skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Cook walnuts in butter, stirring frequently, until golden brown; remove from heat.
• Place 1 sheet of phyllo pastry on cutting board; lightly brush with some of the melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top; lightly brush with some of the melted butter. Place remaining sheet of phyllo crosswise over first two sheets; brush lightly with some of the remaining butter.
• Remove paper from cheese; leave rind on. Place cheese round on center of phyllo sheets. Spoon fig preserves and walnuts over cheese. With both hands, lift phyllo stack towards center and twist in center to make bundle (sheets may tear a little). Brush with remaining butter. Place on cookie sheet. If desired, cut shapes from remaining phyllo dough scraps. Place on top of dough; press lightly to secure.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on cookie sheet on wire rack 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers and additional preserves, if desired.

BAKED ASPARAGUS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• To cook asparagus: Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Break off woody stems of asparagus.
• If stalks are thick, peel with a vegetable peeler, pulling from stem end toward tip.
• (Pencil-thin spears do no need peeling.) Place in a greased or sprayed 9x13 inch glass baking dish.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
• Dot with margarine.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
• (Asparagus may be baked 1 day ahead and reheated in microwave.) To make topping: In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• (Topping may be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before using.)
• Before serving: Spoon topping over asparagus and sprinkle with walnuts.

GREEN BEANS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS AND DRIED-CHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk first 6 ingredients and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Mix in dried cherries; set aside. DO AHEAD: Vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature; rewhisk before using.
• Fill large bowl with water and ice; set aside. Cook green beans in large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain. Transfer to bowl with ice water; cool. Drain. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in paper towels; enclose in resealable plastic bag and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before continuing.
• Toss green beans, walnuts, and vinaigrette in large bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Transfer to platter and serve.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS W/ BLUE CHEESE & TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425.
• Trim and wash asparagus then arrange in a shallow roasting pan.
• Drizzle olive oil over asparagus and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Toss asparagus to evenly coat.
• Roast in oven for 10-12 minutes.
• Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with blue cheese, then top with walnuts.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat until butter has melted. Add brussels sprout leaves; cook, stirring often, until bright green and just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in walnuts and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

TOASTED OAT MUFFINS WITH APRICOTS, DATES, AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
• Spread oats on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheating oven until toasted and fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Mix toasted oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and allspice in a large bowl. Add walnuts, apricots, and dates.
• Whisk melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl. Pour over the flour mixture and mix briefly until batter is combined. Scoop batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

GORGONZOLA CHEESECAKE WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°. Line outside of springform pan, 9x3 inches with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spray inside of pan with cooking spray; sprinkle ground walnuts over bottom.
• Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs; beat just until smooth. Stir in sour cream, cheese and pepper just until blended. Spoon evenly over walnuts in pan.
• Place springform in large roasting pan; pour hot water into roasting pan until one-fourth full. Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove cheesecake from roasting pan. Run knife around edge of cheesecake to loosen. Cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 48 hours. Remove side of pan. Garnish with toasted walnuts. Cut into wedges. Serve with crackers.

OLD-FASHIONED OATMEAL WITH APPLES, RAISINS AND HONEY-TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Stir chopped walnuts in small nonstick skillet over medium heat until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Drizzle honey over and stir until honey thickens and coats nuts, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Stir to loosen nuts from skillet and cool.
• Bring 3 cups water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Add oats and salt and stir over medium heat until oats are softened and very thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in apple juice, chopped apple, brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Divide cereal among 4 bowls. Top with vanilla yogurt and honey-toasted walnuts and serve.

CINNAMON POACHED APPLES WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Bring apple juice, cinnamon, and ginger to a boil.
• Add apples, cover with parchment; simmer until tender, 8 minutes.
• Remove and sprinkle with walnuts.

QUICK SAUTEED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH TOASTED WALNUTS AND LEMON

Steps:

• Toast the walnuts in a dry pan (I always use cast iron to toast nuts) until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside.
• Trim the Brussels sprouts and discard any damaged outside leaves. Use a food processor fitted with the thin slicing blade to shred the sprouts.
• In a large skillet over medium, heat the oil.
• Add the sprouts to the pan.
• Cook, stirring, until crisp tender, about 5 minutes. The pan will seem very crowded in the beginning, but the Brussels sprouts will shrink down quickly.
• Transfer the brussels sprouts to a serving platter and season with salt and pepper, 1 to 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice, the lemon zest and the walnuts.
• Serve immediately.

STRAWBERRY-ORANGE SPINACH SALAD WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a small skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain., In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, honey, oil, mustard, pepper and salt. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, oranges, strawberries, cucumber, onion and carrot. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Sprinkle with walnuts and bacon. Serve immediately.

KALE PESTO WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the kale leaves, basil leaves, and salt. Pulse 10 to 12 times, until the kale leaves are finely chopped. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil. Scrape down the sides of the processor. Add the walnuts and garlic and process again, then add the cheese and pulse to combine. Toss with your favorite pasta and serve immediately.

WILD RICE AND ORZO WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan combine rice with water and salt and simmer, covered, until tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Drain rice well and transfer to a large bowl. Toss rice with 2 tablespoons oil.
• In a saucepan of boiling salted water cook orzo until al dente. Rinse orzo under cold water and drain well. To rice mixture add orzo with remaining 4 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Mixture may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
• Just before serving, stir in scallion and walnuts and season with additional lemon juice and salt and pepper.
• Serve mixture at room temperature.

RAVIOLI WITH TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Cook the ravioli according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 3 tablespoons of the cooking water.
• Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts. Cook, stirring, until the nuts are lightly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the parsley, and the reserved cooking water. Add the ravioli and toss to coat.
• Divide among individual plates and sprinkle with the Parmesan.

BAKED BRIE WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES, TOASTED WALNUTS AND GOLDEN RAISINS

Steps:

• Melt the tbsp of butter in a sauce pan and add the apples and raisins. Saute for 2-3 min. Add honey and saute until brown. Add walnuts and let cool. Cut phyllo sheets into large enough strips to roll brie into. Lay out the phyllo and paint the edges with melted butter. Spoon some of the apple mixture onto the bottom center of the phyllo sheet. Place a piece of brie on the apple mixture and roll up. Brush the roll with melted butter and place on a pan. Bake at 350 until golden.

GREEN APPLE AND BLUE CHEESE COLESLAW WITH TOASTED WALNUTS!

Steps:

• Place first 6 ingredients in a blender and pulse to combine.Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine cabbage, apple,carrots and green onions.Toss with dressing to coat.Refrigerate any left-over dressing for later use.Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.At serving time toss in Walnuts and Blue Cheese.

APPLE CIDER GLAZED DOUGHNUTS WITH BACON AND TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• For the topping: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Place the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast until golden brown and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool slightly and chop. Put in a shallow dish with the bacon and mix together. Set aside.
• For the apple cider glaze: In a small saucepot, add the apple cider, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until syrupy and reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Put the confectioners' sugar in a bowl and slowly pour in 1/4 cup of the glaze, a little at a time. Whisk together until smooth.
• To top the doughnuts: Gently dip the top of each plain doughnut into the glaze and let any excess drip back into the bowl. Next, lightly dip the glazed tops into the chopped walnuts and bacon. Place on a wire rack to let set.
• Bring the milk to a simmer in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, then remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and salt. Pour into a large bowl and let cool slightly.
• While the milk is cooling, dissolve the yeast in 2 tablespoons warm water in a small bowl, stirring. Let stand for 5 minutes.
• Stir the yeast mixture into the milk mixture along with the oil, lemon zest and eggs. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the flour with a wooden spoon to make a very soft dough. Spread 1 cup of the flour on a work surface and put the dough on top, scraping it from the bowl with a rubber spatula. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, incorporating all of the flour from the work surface and adding just enough additional flour (if necessary); the dough should be slightly sticky. Transfer the dough to an oiled large bowl and sprinkle lightly with additional flour. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll out with a floured rolling pin until 1 inch thick. Cut out rounds with a 2-inch cutter. To make ring shapes, cut out doughnut holes with a 1-inch cutter. Place on a baking sheet, cover the doughnuts with another kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
• While the doughnuts rise, heat about 10 cups vegetable oil in a deep 4-quart pot until it registers 365 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry the doughnuts 2 at a time, turning once or twice, until puffed and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

HOT & SPICY TOASTED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*.
• Place walnuts in a 15 1/2" x 10 1/2" jelly roll pan.
• Toast walnuts in oven 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix sugar, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, ground red pepper, and salt.
• Remove walnuts from oven, drizzle spice mixture over the nuts and toss until thoroughly coated.
• Spread nuts in a single layer, cool completely in a pan on a wire rack.
• Store at room temperature in tightly covered container up to a month.
• Makes about 2 cups.