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Cracking Nuts

Last fall we gathered black walnuts. These native American nuts are one of the toughest nuts to crack. In general, hard to shell nuts crack easier, with less breakage of the nut meats, it frozen first.
Putting nuts in the oven to crack won't work. Once frozen, crack well-dried nuts with a hammer or block of wood or any other heavy object that does the job. Stand the nut pointed end up on a solid surface and hit with a sharp blow to crack in two halves.

Here are some hints for care from harvest through use:

Hulls should be removed immediately to preserve the color and flavor of nut meats. Wear gloves to avoid stains on hands.

Wash thoroughly and spread to dry for two or three weeks.. If kernels break with a sharp snap when eaten or broken - the nuts are dry enough.

Store nuts away from heat to prevent rancidity. They'll store longest if left in the shell. If shelled, whole nuts will store better than chopped or broken nut meats.

Unshelled nuts need some ventilation to prevent mildew. Yet too much ventilation may dehydrate the nut meats and speed rancidity. Store shelled nuts in airtight containers in cool dry place such as refrigerator or freezer.
 

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Our favorite recipes

Banana Nut Bread

a standard favorite

1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 cups ripe, mashed bananas (3 large)
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 Eggs, beaten
2 tsps baking powder
1/4 cup light vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt

optional:
1/2 cup dates or apricots, chopped

Mix all dry ingredients together. Mash the ripe bananas. Cream the honey and butter/oil and blend in the bananas. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour dust a 4" x 8" loaf pan....

Little by little fold the dry the dry mixture, honey mix, and beaten eggs together in a bowl. When fairly uniform pour into the pan and level the batter.

Bake 70 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a toothpick comes out dry. Storing the wrapped bread in the cupboard for a few days develops a richer flavor.

More recipes

Little known facts

Caramel and Butterscotch are made in similar ways to toffee, as is fudge. The difference is in the degree of boiling temperature and the ways in which they are cooled. This whole process uses high-heat to convert sugar. Crystallization, graininess, and whether it is brittle or smooth are simply variations of this process.

more about candy

Half a century of fun

The Nut Factory started in 1952 as a roaster of peanuts. We are located in Spokane, Washington. Over the years The Nut Factory has grown into a large snack food manufacturer. We ship over 400 product every day to businesses everywhere throughout the United States.

Our history

Other interesting web sites

Special Nut Recipes
Lots of great ideas for baking


Copycat Recipes Recipe Knock-offs from Famous Restaurants

More links

Nut and Snack Commodity Market

Here is a wonderful Nut Crop information site.

This site is loaded with walnut facts.