Recipes from Blue Heron Catering, the San Francisco Bay Area's choice for fine food and perfect events.

Spiced Walnuts

3 cups walnut halves
2½ tsp. sugar
1½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. dry mustard
¼ tsp. nutmeg
¼ cup walnut oil

These addictive walnuts are prepared in three simple steps. First they are soaked to remove the bitter tanin from the skins. Next, they are slowly dried in the oven to make them crunchy, and finally they are roasted with the spices.

Place the walnuts in a medium bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for 20 minutes. Drain, rinse under running water and pat the walnuts dry on paper towels. Preheat the oven to 300°F. On an ungreased cookie sheet roast the walnuts for 50 minutes. Remove and increase the heat to 350°F.

In a medium bowl toss the hot walnuts with the remaining ingredients. On an ungreased cookie sheet spread the nuts in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes. Remove and cool to serve. (Spiced walnuts can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.)

Makes 3cups.

(510) 428-0781 Blue Heron Catering info@blueheroncatering.com