Happy National Walnut Day! Celebrate with treats made from walnuts.
Walnuts have more protein than they do carbs, and they also contain large amounts of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids. They’re high in fiber, low in sugar, and chock full of antioxidants.
Enjoy walnuts in traditional banana nut bread, kicked up a notch with white whole-wheat flour, which increases fiber content without changing the moist texture of your favorite snack bread.
High Fiber Banana Bread
1 c. sugar
1 c. oil or melted butter
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs, beaten
1 3/4 c. white whole-wheat flour
1 T. baking powder
1 c. chopped walnuts
With a mixer, beat sugar, oil, bananas, and eggs till combined. The bananas don’t have to be perfectly smooth. Stir in baking powder and flour just till combined. Gently stir in nuts. Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until a knife pushed into the center comes out clean.
Toast a slice for breakfast, or enjoy for an after-school snack. Or you might want to have a tea party, with Banana Nut Bread and our second recipe, Celestial Tea Cake.
This update of a popular 1940s tea party treat mixes the rich flavors of dates and walnuts with a delicate batter. It uses lots of eggs, trading off beaten egg whites for oil or butter, which increases the protein content and lightens the texture. It’s not very sweet, so think about pairing it with cheese or serving it alongside a bowl of soup or a salad.
Celestial Tea Cake
6 eggs, divided
1 c. walnuts
1 c. dates
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. self-rising flour
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Chop walnuts and dates together with a knife or food processor. Beat egg yolks with sugar. Stir in flour. When batter is smooth, stir in nuts and dates. Fold in egg whites. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
These two delectable recipes are just right for a Walnut Day tea party!
More great recipes using walnuts:
- Chocolate Nut Torte
- (while this recipe calls for pecans, it’s also delicious with walnuts)
