December is a season filled with joy and anticipation, especially with Christmas just around the corner. The air is filled with the sound of jingling bells, festive carols, and the warm glow of holiday decorations. For many, this time of year brings cherished moments spent with family, the aroma of freshly baked goods, and the excitement of giving and receiving. It’s the season to gather, share love, and indulge in delicious treats that bring a sense of warmth and happiness.
As you prepare to create your Christmas menu, why not consider adding some delightful recipes that not only capture the festive spirit but also promote good health? Enter the California walnut – a nutrient-rich ingredient perfect for enhancing your holiday dishes. Beyond their nutritional value, walnuts are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.
Whether you’re whipping up a warm, spiced walnut pie or adding crunchy walnuts to your holiday salads, these recipes bring a perfect balance of taste and wellness. So, let’s celebrate this Christmas with flavors that are as wholesome as they are delicious – making health and indulgence go hand in hand.
Christmas Turkey, Gammon & Walnut Pot Pie
Ingredients
For the pastry: 150g butter, 200g plain flour
For the filling: 1 large carrot, finely diced, 100g frozen peas, 25g butter, 25g plain flour, 400ml milk, 2 tsp wholegrain mustard, 250g cooked turkey meat, shredded, 250g cooked gammon, shredded 75g California walnuts, roughly chopped, plus 25g chopped, 1 medium egg, beaten
Method: For the pastry, freeze the butter for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Using a coarse grater, grate the frozen butter into the flour, tossing occasionally to coat the butter in flour and prevent clumping. Gradually add 4-5 tbsp of cold water, mixing with a round-bladed knife, until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. Knead gently, wrap in clingfilm, and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out the chilled dough into a 30x15cm rectangle. Fold one short edge of the pastry two-thirds of the way down, then fold the other short edge over the top. Chill for 15 minutes, then repeat the folding process.