Subscribe and receive the latest catering news, recipes, tips, essential content.
Yes, it's completely free
Spice & Sip: Holiday Walnuts & Mocktails
The holidays are here, and there’s no better way to elevate your holiday spread than with seasoned California walnuts. Whether you’re adding a gourmet touch to your charcuterie board, whipping up a flavorful dip, or just snacking in style, these deliciously seasoned walnuts are versatile, delicious, and easy to make. With just five ingredients (and walnuts, of course!), you can create exciting flavor combinations that will wow your guests. Plus, California Walnuts has paired a refreshing mocktail with each recipe to keep the holiday vibes flowing! Check out these recipes from California Walnuts.
Catersource
December 27, 2024
1 Min Read
.png?width=1280&auto=webp&quality=95&format=jpg&disable=upscale)
Sriracha Honey Lime Walnuts + Mocktail Margarita
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, try these Sriracha Honey Lime Walnuts. This quick and easy recipe combines walnuts with a sweet and spicy sriracha-honey glaze, all baked to golden perfection in just 20 minutes—perfect for a flavorful snack or holiday treat. They also make a great garnish for savory dishes like soups or grain bowls.
Ingredients
2 T butter, melted
1½ T sriracha sauce
1 T honey
2 cups California walnuts
¼ cup sugar
1 ea. lime (finely grated zest only)
Method
Preheat oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stir together honey, sriracha sauce, butter and lime zest in a medium bowl. Add walnuts and stir to coat evenly with mixture.
Sprinkle with sugar while stirring and stir well again.
Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until a deep golden brown, stirring halfway through cooking.
Stir once or twice while cooling, then let cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Recipe Tip: If nuts get sticky when storing, add a tablespoon of sugar to the container. Close tightly and shake to coat.
Mocktail Pairing
A Mocktail Margarita is the perfect partner for this recipe. The citrusy lime and subtle sweetness of the mocktail will enhance the bold flavors of the Sriracha Honey Lime Walnuts without overpowering them. To make a simple Mocktail Margarita, mix fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a touch of agave syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with sparkling water, and stir. For a fun twist, rim the glass with lime and salt. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy alongside your Sriracha Honey Lime Walnuts!
Vanilla Matcha Walnuts + Strawberry Cream Breeze Mocktail
These Vanilla Matcha Walnuts offer a unique blend of creamy vanilla and earthy matcha. This sweet, nutty snack will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re enjoying them as a midday treat or serving them at your holiday gathering, they’ll be a crowd-pleaser. The honey and powdered sugar add just the right amount of sweetness, while matcha powder lends a touch of trendy sophistication.
Ingredients
2 T butter, melted
1 T honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups California walnuts
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 T matcha powder
Method
Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Stir together butter, honey and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add walnuts and stir well with a rubber scraper to coat walnuts as evenly as possible.
Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more or until walnuts are a deep golden brown. Let cool, stirring occasionally, then transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool completely.
Toss with powdered sugar until walnuts are completely coated in a medium bowl. Add matcha and toss well to coat. Transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe Tip: To keep the walnuts vibrant green color, make sure to remove excess moisture from nuts and make sure they’re completely cool.
Mocktail Pairing
Wash these down with a Strawberry Cream Breeze Mocktail. The light strawberry flavor and creamy texture play beautifully with the smooth vanilla and matcha notes, making this pairing a festive and delightful treat. To make a simple Strawberry Cream Breeze Mocktail, blend fresh strawberries, coconut cream, vanilla extract, and a drizzle of honey. Pour the mixture over ice, top with sparkling water, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves. Sip on this creamy, refreshing drink alongside your Vanilla Matcha Walnuts for the perfect balance of sweet and smooth flavors!
Za’atar and Sumac Spiced Walnuts + Pomegranate Spritzer
If you love bold, savory flavors, these Za’atar and Sumac Spiced Walnuts will be your go-to. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of za’atar with the tangy brightness of sumac and garlic for a Middle Eastern-inspired snack that’s perfect for entertaining. Toasting the walnuts in a skillet gives them a golden crispness that’s hard to resist. Serve these on your charcuterie board or sprinkle them on top of salads for a festive flair.
Ingredients
2 T butter
2 cups California walnuts
1 T Za’atar
2 tsp sumac
1 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
1 tsp sugar
Method
Melt butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add walnuts and toss well to coat with butter. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes to toast.
Sprinkle with seasonings and reduce heat slightly. Cook and stir for 5 minutes more or until golden and fragrant.
Set aside and let cool, stirring occasionally. Transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve.
Mocktail Pairing
Pair these walnuts with a Pomegranate Spritzer. To make a quick Pomegranate Spritzer, mix fresh pomegranate juice, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of honey in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass over ice, top with sparkling water, and stir to combine. The tartness of pomegranate juice complements the savory spices perfectly, while sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz that’s ideal for holiday sipping.