Toasted Honey Walnuts with Sesame Seeds

One. More. Day. Are you ready?



We will welcome 2011 in less than a day. To some it may seem lame, but as I grow older, each year seems to fly by and it's just not that exciting anymore. It only means....i'll be one year older. I'm kidding. Of course there's more to the New Year than simply getting older, right? What are some of your New Year plans or resolutions.



Normally I'm fast asleep by 11. No kidding. Lame, I know. But this year, we've been invited to a NYE party right down the street. Literally. We're walking. And my love is coming too! Its a kid friendly New Year's Party. We shall see how long we last.



I also have a treat to share with all of you. Whether you're throwing a fancy or low key party. Or for those of you who are staying in and enjoying a quiet evening at home. You'll love these super easy toasted honey walnuts with sesame seeds.



In less than 10 minutes you can have the most tastiest toasted walnut treat. Ever. Lightly sweet and crunchy in texture...folks, please say hello to my new best friend, Mr. Walnutty. From savory to sweet, sprinkle on just about anything.



If you're not a fan of walnuts you can use pecans, almonds or whatever your taste bud's desire. And you could even add a bit of cinnamon or other spice you prefer for a bit more flavor.



Printable Recipe

Ingredients

1 Cup Walnuts (I keep all of  my nuts tightly sealed in the freezer to maintain freshness)

2 tbsp Honey

1 tsp Sugar

Sesame Seeds





Directions

1. A) Heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat for a minute. Place the walnuts in the skillet moving the skillet back and forth and tossing using a wooden spatula. About 2-5 minutes or so. They will begin to turn golden and you will begin to smell the walnuts toasting. Turn heat off.



B) Add the honey and sugar tossing to coat evenly.



C) Sprinkle as much sesame seeds as you like tossing to coat. Place in a bowl or plate to cool.



I used these babies on a arugula salad. They're perfect just as snacks but it gives a salad loads of flavor and texture.



Recently, I came across a Spanish goat cheese called, Capricho De Cabra and fell in love. This specific cheese is ultra creamy and flavorful. Produced from Murciana goats which are known to produce milk in high fat and protein content, this dense and decadent cheese is one of my faves. It's not all that earthy like some goat cheese.



In addition to the awesome goat cheese, I was also introduced to pickled watermelon rind. Have any of you tried it? Its sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with the goat cheese with crackers and on the arugula salad. I plan on making my own version soon.







Simply take:



a bunch of arugula

some beets

some Capricho De Cabra, goat cheese

some sliced granny smith apple

some honey walnuts with sesame seeds

some sliced pickled watermelon rind