Eating My Weight In Walnuts
You just know that when you get invited by the California Walnut Board to celebrate the walnut harvest you will most likely be eating your fair share of those delicious, nutritious tree nuts.
They call the walnut, the “hardest working nut” in the industry, and I see why. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, this nutrient-dense food is most versatile. Their mild, yet rich flavor, soft texture and interesting shape make them a welcome addition anytime of the day.
Big Day, Big Breakfast
There is no better way to start a day then with a couple of farm-fresh eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, home fries and toast; but what made this meal unforgettable was the walnut butter.
Two choices: California walnut butter or sweet creamery butter whipped with the California walnut butter — or both!
Oh my, those fresh walnut butters were magnificent and just the start of my walnut-eating day.
Lunch In A Walnut Orchard
White-linen table service in a walnut orchard — unbelievable!
My lunch in the orchard was so over the top that I dedicated a whole post just to it. Get ready to smack your lips; you can check it out here.
Dinner at Taylor’s Kitchen
At Taylor’s Kitchen, one of Sacramento’s local treasures, the multifaceted walnut was once again put in the spotlight. I had my choice of soup or salad and then beef, seafood or a vegetarian entrée all incorporating the walnut in one form or another. It was tough to choose, but here’s what I decided on.
Mixed herb salad with roasted walnuts, currants, delta pears and a Pont l’Eveque crouton.
Day boat scallops served with a cauliflower-apple puree, fennel apple slaw and walnut-miso vinaigrette.
I saved a little room for dessert. My choice: a pear and walnut tart served with bourbon ice cream or a German chocolate cake served with walnut ice cream.
Again, a tough decision, but those who chose the tart suffered a pang of buyers’ remorse when they saw my cake.
There you have it, a day chock-full of walnut-inspired meals.
Fully loaded with my supply of omega 3s and a hearty dose of melatonin, that night I slept like a baby.
Goodnight, Sacramento.
Look here for tons of walnut recipe ideas! —Karen