Walnutty

     You have got to love them. You just must! They are an offical super food, offering life enhancing nutrition. And they are delicious. In the raw. Roasted. Toasted. For breakfast in your yogurt. For lunch in your salad. For dinner in your pasta. For dessert in your brownie.
     Here is a shot of a scrumptious salad I had this weekend, that was made so by the addition of candied walnuts.

      Yes, I said for dinner in your pasta. Check out this interesting vegan recipe from Meatless Mondays;
http://www.meatlessmonday.com/carrot-walnut-tagliatelle/?utm_source=Meatless+Monday&utm_campaign=4574305fa1-Eater%27s_Digest_Monday_04_12_2010&utm_medium=email We are going to be checking it out at our house as soon as I pick up some carrot juice.
     Seriously, everyone, not just vegetarians, should be making an effort to work walnuts into their daily diet. The key is (as always) moderation. I have read that when you have more than 9 nuts per day, you forfiet the benefits by overdoing it, and it becomes a high fat habit that isn't so good for you. I have found that to be an easy rule to remember and to work with. The facts are walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Nuts in general are also high in plant sterols and omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts. In 2004, the FDA endorsed the health benefits of walnuts by approving the heart health claim. There should always be a bag in the fridge. I've got plenty, but need to go pick up some carrot juice now.