May 17th is National Walnut Day! Let’s honor these heart healthy, brain enhancing super foods by incorporating walnuts into our family menu this month! I’ve included kid friendly recipes’ so hopefully your little ones will give walnuts a sample and take part in the Nutastic! celebration!
According to Nationaltoday.com Here are three reasons why walnuts should be a BIG part of our day! #walnutbenefits
Walnuts are a Nutritional Power House
Walnuts 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. Plus they’re high in protein and fiber, so they make a great snack!!
They’ve got some History!
Walnuts are the oldest known tree food—they date back to 7000 B.C.!
They’re Versatile
Walnuts are great in sweet and savory recipes. Eat them by themselves, or chop them up and toss them in cookies, oatmeal, salads, sauces, and cake.
Here are FIVE of my favorite ways to eat Walnuts. {Besides in my chicken salad!!! As I said, this post is all about family friendly!}
- Walnut Butter:
Give the usual peanut or almond butter a break and swap out for Walnut Butter this month! It’s super easy, very creamy and has a bold flavor your family is sure to love! I blend mine with cinnamon, vanilla and a bit of cashew nuts for a velvety texture. Give it a try!Ingredients:
½ C Walnuts
1 TB Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
¼ C CashewsPrep:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place nuts on parchment paper over a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes (you want them lightly toasted). Cool completely
Transfer nut mix to your Vitamix or food processor along with cinnamon and vanilla.
Blend until smooth. Stop every 30 seconds to scrape sides and repeat as necessary.
*You can add a bit of oil to thin consistency if needed. **Add a TB of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor. 2. Walnut Chorizo
With BBQ season upon us, surprise your vegan & vegetarian friends with this unique taco filling! Pile your “chorizo” in your favorite taco shell or serve it on top of a bed of chips for veggie nachos!
Recipe
source: walnuts.org 3. Carrot Walnut Meatballs
Kid friendly, easy to make and they freeze well! Serve these veggie “meatballs” at your next family pasta night over spaghetti or zoodles!
Hello Veggie also recommends serving them with ketchup like a tater tot! Perfect for your toddler!
Source: helloveggie.co 4. Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
I typically make grain free chocolate chip cookies at home, but if I’m going for a real treat these are AAAMMAAZZZINGG!!! Hippie Foodie Mom came up with a copycat recipe for the famous Levain Bakery Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie from NYC!! Do yourself a favor and bake a batch ASAP!!!
Source: Hipfoodiemom.com 5. Walnut-Encrusted Sea Scallops
I love this dish because it’s ready in minutes, crunchy and has a sweet, honey flavor! Try it and see if your kids will surprise you and enjoy scallops!! Both my kids love scallops!! My hubs does not, so I usually make him shrimp on “Scallop Night”.
Not a scallop fan? This fab walnut crust method can also be used for chicken of your white favorite fish!
Source: noshandnourish.com Bon Appetit!! Let us know how you and your family celebrated National Walnut Day!!
