Walnuts are incredibly versatile, from breakfast boosts and sweet bakes to savory dinners, snacks, and even drinks, they add crunch and rich flavor to almost anything. Beyond the kitchen, they’re healthy superfoods and even their shells can be used for fun DIY projects. With a walnut tree in your garden, you’ll have endless tasty recipes and creative ideas right at your fingertips.
Imagine this, you walk into your garden on a crisp autumn morning and see the ground covered with shiny brown walnuts. You pick up a basketful, head inside, and now the big question pops up: what on earth do you make with them? Sure, you can crack them open and snack away (nothing wrong with that!), but walnuts are little treasures that deserve so much more. From sweet treats to savory dishes, and even drinks, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into some fun and tasty walnut recipes you can easily try at home!
Breakfast boost, walnuts to start the day
Walnuts in the morning are like a secret energy button. Sprinkle a handful over your yogurt, porridge, or even pancakes, and suddenly breakfast feels like a feast.
- Walnut granola: Mix oats, honey, and chopped walnuts, toast them in the oven, and boom! Homemade granola that tastes a million times better than the supermarket version.
- Smoothie upgrade: Blend a banana, some spinach, milk, and a spoonful of walnuts for a creamy smoothie. It’s green, it’s healthy, and it actually tastes good.
A tree like the Walnut ‘Broadview’ is perfect if you dream of grabbing your own breakfast toppings straight from the garden.
Sweet heaven, baking with walnuts
Walnuts and baking go together like peanut butter and jelly. Their crunchy bite and rich flavor make cakes, brownies, and breads taste ten times better.
- Classic walnut brownies: Warm chocolate and crunchy nuts, it’s basically happiness in a square.
- Banana walnut bread: Perfect for using up ripe bananas, plus it smells like heaven while baking.
- Carrot cake with walnuts: The nuts add texture, while the cream cheese frosting steals the show.
Pro tip: toast the walnuts before adding them to your batter. It makes them extra flavorful, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
Savory delights, walnuts in dinner dishes
Think walnuts are only for desserts? Think again! These little guys can turn a simple dinner into something fancy.
- Pasta with walnut pesto: Swap pine nuts for walnuts in your pesto. Mix with garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, and you’ve got a creamy sauce for pasta, fish, or even roasted veggies.
- Stuffed mushrooms with walnuts: Chop up walnuts, mix with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, and stuff into mushrooms. Bake and enjoy a crunchy, savory starter.
- Salad magic: Toss walnuts into a salad with apple, rocket, and goat cheese. You’ll feel like you’re eating in a posh restaurant, but you’re just in your own kitchen.
If you prefer smaller spaces, a Hazelnut ‘Webb’s Prize Cobb’ (also available at De Nootsaeck) is a great companion plant alongside your walnut tree, giving you variety in your homegrown nuts. Besides hazelnuts we also have a variety of chestnuts. They're delicious as well!
Snacks and quick bites
Sometimes you just want something crunchy to munch on while watching a movie. Walnuts are perfect for that too.
- Caramelized walnuts: Heat walnuts with sugar and a little butter until they’re glossy and golden. Warning: highly addictive!
- Spiced walnuts: Toss them with olive oil, paprika, and salt, then roast in the oven. Great for parties, or just for yourself (we won’t tell).
- Chocolate-dipped walnuts: Dip in melted chocolate, let them set in the fridge, and you have homemade candy that looks fancy but takes five minutes.
Drinks with a walnut twist
Yes, even your drinks can get a walnut upgrade. In Italy, they make nocino, a walnut liqueur with a rich, spiced flavor. Perfect for sipping after dinner. If that sounds like too much work, try this:
- Walnut milk: Blend soaked walnuts with water, strain, and sweeten with honey. It’s creamy, nutty, and a fun alternative to regular milk.
- Walnut coffee syrup: Make a simple syrup with sugar, water, and crushed walnuts, then drizzle into your latte. It’s like café vibes, but cheaper.
Beyond the kitchen, crafty walnut fun
Once you’ve cracked the nuts, don’t throw the shells away. They’re perfect for little DIY projects:
- Paint and hang them as Christmas ornaments.
- Use them to make tiny candle holders.
- Turn them into toy boats for kids (yes, they actually float!).
A Walnut ‘Buccaneer’gives you plenty of harvest to snack on and enough shells left over for a craft afternoon.
Why walnuts are little superfoods
Let’s not forget: walnuts aren’t just tasty, they’re also really good for you. They’re packed with omega-3 fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. Good for your brain, your heart, and even your mood. Basically, every time you pop a walnut in your mouth, your body gives you a little thank-you hug.
Time to crack your own
From brownies and pesto to crafty candle holders, walnuts are true multitaskers. With just one tree in your garden, you’ll never run out of ideas or snacks.
So, ready to start your own walnut adventure? Visit De Nootsaeck and explore their selection of walnut trees and other nut varieties. Who knows? By next autumn, you could be whipping up your own walnut brownies with nuts straight from your backyard!