I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
I love California Walnuts because they are a perfect snack alone and complement many dishes with their light crunch and taste. Toasting walnuts brings releases oils and a wonderful aroma. However, they taste crisp and delicious in their raw state. I was provided with a package of 1 oz packets of California Walnuts to enter a recipe contest via Healthy Aperature.
A handful of California walnuts is a versatile snack and can satisfy any taste preference, from savory to sweet. Regardless of your flavor preference, walnuts are a satisfying, nutrient-dense option.
California walnuts contain protein (4g/oz) and fiber (2g/oz) and are the only nut to contain an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5g/oz). More nutrient information can be found at: https://walnuts.org/health-professionals/
I had the option to make a Savory or Sweet recipe using 1 cup of California Walnuts. Having a natural sweet tooth, I chose something sweet! (Though you can get the best of both if you’ve got some Curry Powder in your cupboard.)
With the current stay-at-home COVID situation, I felt it was best to come up with a simple recipe using ingredients most may have stocked in their kitchen. So with California Walnuts and other common pantry ingredients I put together a walnut crisp for this tasty snack combo. The complete recipe uses 1 1/4 cups California Walnuts.
What you’ll need:
- 4 small apples, cut into equal sized wedges (approx. 8 per apple if using an apple corer/slicer)
For the walnut honey butter:
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 1 dash sea salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
For the crisp:
- 1/2 cup halved California Walnuts
- 1/4 cup oats
- 4 dates
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon*
- 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
*Optional: For a “Sweet & Savory” option, swap cinnamon for 1 teaspoon curry powder.
The Recipe
Walnut Crisp Apple Dippers
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups California walnuts divided
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 4 dates
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt divided
- 2 tablespoons cranberries chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 4 small apples halved or cut into equal wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the walnut butter: Toast 3/4 cups walnuts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until just toasted. Add toasted walnuts and 1/8 tsp salt into high-speed food processor and process for 8-12 minutes until creamy and smooth. Transfer to small bowl and mix in honey.
- Prepare the walnut crisp: In a food processor, combine remaining 1/2 cup of walnuts, dates, oats, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, and remaining sea salt. Process for a minute. Add cranberries and pulse a few times until finely chopped into mixture.
- Lightly toast mixture with vegetable oil in a skillet over medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until you smell the aromas; set aside.
- Spread even amount of nut butter/honey mixture onto one side of each apple wedge.
- Press buttered side of apple into walnut crisp.
- Continue until all apples coated; sprinkle any remaining crisp on evenly on top of the apple wedges.
What temp and how long
To toast the walnuts you’ll have to keep a careful eye because they can heat up pretty fast with all their oil. So you just need to heat pan over medium heat, and add the walnuts in a single layer to the dry pan, stirring often – It shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes until golden brown (5 minutes at the most – but keep an eye on them, you don’t want to burn them).