Historically, walnuts haven't been an ingredient that comes to mind often when I'm cooking — I typically eat them out of my hand and in banana bread, but that's about it. But recently, I attended a seminar with cooking host Joanne Weir and the California Walnut Board and Commission, where we enjoyed a walnut-centered lunch. From that broadening meal, I learned so many new ways to incorporate Read more

Recently, we had the chance to break bread with Chef Joanne Weir, from Joanne Weir's Cooking Class, and talk all about Mediterranean ingredients and cooking styles. One of the dishes that she taught us how to make was a Spanish coca, or pizza. The toppings were simple but satisfying: wilted chard with sweet raisins and walnuts. The result was light and satisfying, with a great combination of Read more

It's easy to be intimidated by the prospect of making your own ice cream — after all, it's one of the few dishes that requires its own dedicated piece of equipment. Use an ice cream maker once, however, and you'll find that it's the easiest appliance you'll ever need to use. In truth, that's not the tricky part; tempering your ice cream is. To eliminate any potential disaster on your first ice Read more

Traveling the globe can be pricey, but trying out new worldly recipes in your own kitchen is an easy and inexpensive way to taste more of the planet. In our world traveler series, we are doing just that: exploring the earth one dish at a time. Muhammara is a Syrian roasted pepper and walnut dip often served with crackers, on kebabs, or over meat and fish. The longest part of preparing the dip Read more

If you are having a rough day, grab yourself a handful of nuts. A new study says that walnuts help reduce blood pressure during times of stress. The study, which was funded by the Walnut Commission of Sacramento, followed 22 adults who had above average levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). Researchers were looking to see what effect, if any, walnuts have on the body during a time of stress. In Read more

It's been a cool Summer in Northern California, which means many of the season's heralded vegetables are arriving later than usual. Yet I don't mind the delayed gratification, especially if it means I can still enjoy such pleasures as a perfect English pea in August. Tonight, I'm going to try the vegetable in a newfound way: as part of a freshly ground pesto with walnuts, capers, and parsley. Read more

If you're tired of the same old boring salads, turn to seasonal fruit to jazz up those greens. In Winter, I love tossing in segmented oranges, in Spring, I'll throw in strawberries, and now? Well, Summer's beautiful blackberries make an excellent addition to a bed of mixed lettuces. Thanks to sugared walnuts and tangy feta, this recipe has tons of texture. It's crunchy, creamy, tart, and juicy. Read more

I love beets and I love walnuts, but the healthy nuts don't seem to need much of a hard sell. Beets, on the other hand, are shunned by many, and unrightfully so in my opinion. This recipe by former Google chef Charlie Ayers is a great way to work beets into a meal for folks that have no love for the red tuber. At a recent event celebrating the health benefits of the California walnut, I overheard Read more