7 Holiday Spiced Nuts Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular nuts at Christmas? ›

Walnuts, with their rich, buttery flavour, are a must-have. Hazelnuts, too, are popular, bringing a sweet, mellow taste that's perfect for festive recipes. Almonds add a delightful crunch to our Christmas cakes, while Brazil nuts offer a decadent treat, especially when covered in chocolate!

For special occasions like showers or birthday parties, you can serve nuts in tiny mason jars. Not only does this alleviate contamination concerns, but it also makes for easier snacking. Feel free to customize the jars with the date of the celebration and a ribbon.

Hazelnuts (and nuts in general) were ancient symbols of good luck and fertility which were given new Christian meanings and remain a common part of Christmas traditions even today. Physically characterized by three distinct parts, nuts were interpreted as a sign of the Trinity.

All of this evidence shows that nuts have been a staple in the human diet for since the beginnings of history. The oldest walnut remains were discovered in Iraq, and they are believed to be from 50,000 B.C. The Greeks and Romans were fond of the walnut, and they were considered food for Gods by early Romans.

Even today, Italian-Americans carry on the tradition of ending holiday meals with “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” and a glass of wine. The smell of roasted chestnuts on a cold late Autumn-Winter day is enough to fill your soul with pleasure. It is one of my most memorable smells of Christmas.

Pistachio – Pistachios are the Christmas Nut. In my home growing up, the only time we ever saw the pistachio was at Christmas time. It was always exciting to see the special treat, and the many sweet and delightful combinations of treats made with them. They are said to bring good luck to the holiday.

They're Said to Represent a Gift of Gold from Saint Nicholas

The father eventually found out who the gift giver was and was so moved he told everyone in town about Nicholas. This was not only the origin of Santa Claus but also one reason for oranges—which represent bags of gold—in our stockings.

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used.

The Pecan nut is native only to North America, and remains of Pecans were found in excavations in Texas with other artifacts that date back to 6100 B.C. The United States produces about 80% of the world supply of Pecans, with Georgia and Texas leading in production.

What are the 7 nuts? ›

In botany terms, nuts are strictly a particular kind of dry fruit that has a single seed, a hard shell, and a protective husk. Chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts fit the true definition of a nut. Peanuts and almonds do not meet the botanical definition of a true nut.

Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, money was tight, and many families simply didn't have the means to buy gifts. Instead, it was such a treat, even a luxury, to find things like a sweet orange or some walnuts in your stocking on Christmas.

Some of the healthiest nuts include Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, and almonds. There are many options to enjoy this nutritional treat, but be sure to enjoy them in moderation.