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Go Nuts for the Holidays!

Walnut Cappuccino Biscotti

There’s a chill in the air, a fire in the hearth. The harvest is in and the holidays are just around the corner. Like you, we’re thinking about seasonal celebrations. And we’re planning on making them extra-sweet—and nicely crunchy—by serving snacks and desserts made with a healthy helping of fresh nuts.

Just think of the bounty: walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, macadamias, hazelnuts! They all make yummy snacks and lend a satisfying texture to baked goods—along with plenty of heart-healthy benefits. All nuts contain zero cholesterol and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. And nuts—walnuts in particular—are loaded with alpha-linoleic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that can actually lower “bad” blood cholesterol!

Say “Nuts” to Baking

Turtle Brownies

There’s something super-satisfying about the crunch of nuts in a cake, cookie, or pie. And there’s a bonus benefit: nuts add protein and other nutrients (and no cholesterol!) to baked goods. So go ahead and go nuts!

Don’t hesitate to substitute one type of nut for another or to combine a couple of varieties. With their similar texture, pecans are a good substitution for walnuts; almonds and hazelnuts are often interchangeable (especially in crisp cookies such as biscotti); and soft nuts such as cashews, pistachios, and pignoli (pine nuts) can be swapped in many recipes. For an exotic touch, substitute macadamia nuts: Their buttery flavor and dense texture are especially good paired with tropical fruits such as coconuts and bananas (they’re a yummy addition to banana bread). And always use C&H Pure Cane Sugar to ensure that you’re getting the authentic sweetness of pure cane.

Lightly toasting nuts at 350ºF before adding them to a recipe brings out their full flavor. Delicate pine nuts are best toasted in a dry skillet; toss regularly until the nuts turn golden. Other nuts should be spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and toasted in the oven for four to eight minutes, depending on the type and size of the nut.

Hosting a holiday open house—or going to one? Please everyone with a tray of nut-filled cookies. A variety of shapes makes the most attractive presentation. Rolled in snowy C&H Pure Cane Powdered Sugar, Hazelnut Amaretto Balls look beautiful next to crisp Walnut Cappuccino Biscotti and candy-topped Maple Walnut Shortbread Bars. Walnut Macaroons get their perfect dome shape from a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip. (You can drop the batter by the tablespoonful if you don’t have a pastry bag.) Pecan Bars, made with C&H Pure Cane Golden Brown Sugar, are a quick and easy variation on the classic “blondie.” Another pecan-based recipe, Turtle Brownies—with a yummy topping made from caramel candies—is rich enough to satisfy the most demanding sweet tooth.

Nutcracker Sweets

Hosting a Halloween party? Going to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving? Visiting neighbors on New Year’s? You’ll make a terrific impression when you serve or bring one of these nut confections—much fresher and tastier than store-bought candy.

For serving, just place small dishes of sweet or spicy nuts on coffee tables and side tables and allow guests to munch happily. They’ll be delighted, and you’ll buy time while you prepare other dishes.

For giving, save small gift boxes, line them with colored foil or tissue, and carefully place nuts or toffee inside. Or soak the label off a jelly jar and recycle it. Just add a festive ribbon to make an appetizing presentation.

You’ll never even consider buying Spiced Candied Walnuts after you’ve discovered how easy they are to make. (You won’t even need a candy thermometer.) Start with the basic recipe, then try our variations—orange, candied, and sour cream (or yogurt). Ready for more adventure? Whip up a batch of Honey-Glazed Walnuts, sweetened with both honey and C&H Pure Cane Golden Brown Sugar, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and seasoned with Chinese five-spice powder (available in supermarkets). Spicy Sugared Pecans—made with cayenne, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar—are bursting with hot flavors. Save a few for sprinkling on green salads.

Nut toffees and brittles are surprisingly easy to make—and, not so surprisingly, easy to eat! The only special equipment you’ll need is a candy thermometer. Almond Butter Toffee, made with C&H Granulated and Golden Brown sugars, is delicious as a candy and dandy as a topping for ice cream. And if the only candy brittle you’ve ever tried was the peanut variety, you’ll be amazed at the rich flavor and texture of Chocolate Walnut Brittle: each little piece is dipped in melted chocolate for a decadent taste treat.

In a Nutshell