A Christmas Guide to Nuts: Recipe Ideas and More!
As the holiday season approaches, markets are back to carrying those nets of “Christmas Nuts” as I used to call them as a child. My grandmother was always a fan of filling up her house with them, and I was accustomed to watching my uncle power through an entire bowlful while I helped out with the nut-crackers. I never really enjoyed eating the things at that age, though – they all seemed so bland. Heck, I barely knew what any of them were called. For a few varieties, I was well into adulthood before I learned how to name and identify a few of them; they had always simply been “Christmas nuts”.
Fast forward a pile of years and now I’m kicking myself for not taking more advantage back then while I wasn’t the one paying for the things! From almonds to pecans, walnuts to macadamias, nuts not only bring a satisfying crunch to our holiday gatherings but also offer a wealth of flavor and nutrition – depending on how they’re prepared.
Whether you’re snacking on them plain, using them in recipes, or giving them as gifts, knowing how to prepare and enjoy these nuts can elevate your holiday experience. In this guide, we’ll explore different nuts commonly found during the holiday season and share preparation tips, flavoring ideas, and creative ways to incorporate them into your celebrations.
Why Nuts?
Nuts are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The thing is though, that the industrial processes involved in making a lot of our snacking nuts – honey roasted peanuts, for example – actually strip away the majority of their inherent nutrition. “Roasted” is kind of a misnomer here because they’re usually using some quantity of oil in the process so it’s more like they’re being fried. The problem being that a lot of their nutrients get leached out into that oil
So what do we do? Look for nuts that are labeled as “raw” from the supermarket. They may be a bit cheaper, but not necessarily. They will, however, still have all their nutrients intact. Which helps me justify the large quantities of candied nuts that I go through during the holidays – “They’re healthy!… sorta”.
Their versatility allows them to be enjoyed in various forms, whether raw, roasted, spiced, or sugared. During the holidays, they become even more popular as they can be used in numerous recipes, from savory dishes to sweet treats.
Common Holiday Nuts
1. Almonds
Coming out of something that looks an awful lot like a peach pit. Common in dishes all year long, these are an easy starting point if you don’t often include nuts in your diet.
Preparation: Almonds can be found in several forms—whole, sliced, or slivered. They can be enjoyed raw, blanched, or roasted.
Roasting: To roast almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Flavoring: After roasting, toss the almonds with a sprinkle of sea salt, or try adding spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or cinnamon for a flavorful twist.
Usage: Use roasted almonds in salads, on cheese boards, or as a crunchy topping for desserts. They’re also the main ingredient in marzipan, an easy-to-make holiday favorite of mine!
2. Walnuts
A very tough outer shell, and an interior that I have always thought looked a lot like a little brain.
Preparation: Walnuts are often sold shelled or unshelled. The shelled variety can be used directly, but toasting them enhances their flavor.
Toasting: To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven following the same method as almonds.
Flavoring: Consider coating toasted walnuts with maple syrup and a pinch of salt for a sweet treat or tossing them with rosemary and garlic for a savory option.
Usage: Walnuts are perfect for adding to baked goods like brownies, cookies, and banana bread, or as a crunchy topping for oatmeal and yogurt.
3. Pecans
Kind of like a smooth walnut. The insides still look like brains to me.
Preparation: Pecans can be found in halves or chopped, and like walnuts, they benefit from toasting.
Toasting: Follow the same roasting instructions as almonds, using a baking sheet and oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Roast for about 8-10 minutes.
Flavoring: For a holiday treat, toss the warm pecans with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne for a sweet and spicy version.
Usage: Pecans are great in pies, particularly pecan pie, and can also be used in salads, desserts, or as a topping for sweet potato casseroles.
4. Chestnuts
Probably the least common, at least in North America. I have the least luck with preparing these properly, but when you get it right, these things are so special. I’ll throw sugar and spices at any of the rest of the nuts on this list, but chestnuts are perfect roasted in their shells and eaten immediately.
Preparation: Chestnuts are typically sold in their shells or pre-peeled. If using whole chestnuts, they need to be scored before cooking.
Cooking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Score an “X” on the flat side of each chestnut, which prevents them from bursting. Roast them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, until the shells peel back and the nuts are tender. You can also boil or steam chestnuts if preferred.
Flavoring: Chestnuts have a naturally sweet and mild flavor, making them perfect for pairing with butter, honey, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
Usage: Use chestnuts in stuffing, soups, or purees, or enjoy them roasted as a delicious snack.
5. Macadamias
Cute, spherical little things. Probably the most “luxurious” of the nuts listed here. These are the first things I look for in a Christmas market.
Preparation: Macadamia nuts are rich and buttery, often sold raw or roasted.
Roasting: If you have raw macadamias, roast them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, watching closely to prevent over-browning.
Flavoring: Macadamias can be sweetened with honey or maple syrup, or tossed with sea salt and a dash of cayenne for a savory, spicy kick.
Usage: These nuts are perfect for baking, especially in cookies and cakes, or they can be used as a topping for salads and roasted vegetables.
6. Hazelnuts
Once upon a time, Nutella used to be full of these things and that’s why it tasted so good. Every time they change that recipe, though, they’re taking hazelnuts out and putting more oil and artificial flavoring in 🙁
Preparation: Hazelnuts can be purchased whole, sliced, or ground. Toasting enhances their flavor.
Toasting: Toast hazelnuts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. After toasting, rub them in a kitchen towel to remove the skins.
Flavoring: Hazelnuts pair well with chocolate, so try tossing them with melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent treat.
Usage: Use hazelnuts in chocolate desserts, on top of cakes, or ground into nut butter.
Creative Ways to Use Nuts During the Holidays
1. Holiday Snack Mix
Create a festive snack mix by combining your favorite nuts with dried fruits, chocolate chips, and popcorn. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch.
2. Nut-Based Sauces
Blend nuts into sauces for a creamy, nutty flavor. Cashew cream, made by blending soaked cashews with water, makes a delicious dairy-free sauce for pasta or salads.
3. Nut Crusts for Meats
Crushed nuts can serve as a flavorful crust for meats like chicken or fish. Combine finely chopped nuts with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices for a crunchy topping.
4. Homemade Nut Butters
Making your own nut butter is easy and satisfying. Simply blend roasted nuts in a food processor until smooth, adding a pinch of salt and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Nut Garnishes
Use nuts as garnishes on a variety of dishes. They can add texture and flavor to soups, salads, and even main courses.
Storing Nuts
To maintain their freshness, store nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If you buy nuts in bulk or want to keep them for a longer period, consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid.
Wrap Up
Nuts are a staple of the holiday season, bringing not just flavor but also a touch of nostalgia and warmth. Preparing various nuts can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you’re roasting, flavoring, or using them in dishes. As you enjoy this festive season, let your creativity shine by incorporating these delicious nuts into your recipes and gatherings. Whether it’s a crunchy topping for a holiday dessert or a savory addition to a cheese board, nuts will undoubtedly add a special touch to your celebrations.
Much Love
Sidney and Thomas
