Green Walnut Preserves

Green Walnut Preserves Recipe from Romania with Vanilla and Lemon

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10

Introduction

Green walnut preserves are a delicious and unique treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for desserts. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite in many households.

History

Green walnut preserves have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The process of preserving green walnuts in sugar syrup is a traditional method of preserving the fruit and creating a sweet and tangy treat.

Ingredients

2 lb / 1 kg sugar
3 cups water
22 oz / 650 g peeled green walnuts
0.5 cup honey
0.5 vanilla stick
juice from 0.5 lemon

How to prepare

Remove the green peel from the walnuts and place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from darkening.
Next, transfer the walnuts to a pot of boiling water and let them cook for 15 minutes.
Drain the walnuts and then place them in a pot of cold water for another 15 minutes.
Repeat this process of alternating between hot and cold water two more times.
While the walnuts are being prepared, make the syrup by removing any foam and adding honey and vanilla.
Once the syrup starts to thicken, add the walnuts and lemon juice, and let them simmer until the preserves are done.
Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it cool before transferring the preserves into jars.

Variations

Add spices such as cinnamon or cloves to the syrup for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the green peel from the walnuts before cooking to prevent bitterness.

- Alternating between hot and cold water helps to soften the walnuts and remove any bitterness.

- Be patient when making the syrup, as it needs to thicken before adding the walnuts.

- Let the preserves cool completely before transferring them to jars to ensure they set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Green walnut preserves can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is the process of alternating between hot and cold water to soften the walnuts and remove bitterness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Make Ahead Tips

Green walnut preserves can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve green walnut preserves in small jars or bowls for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Green walnut preserves pair well with cheese, crackers, and bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store green walnut preserves in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator. They can be reheated gently on the stove if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green walnut preserves contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of green walnut preserves contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of green walnut preserves contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of green walnut preserves contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Green walnuts are a good source of vitamin E, vitamin K, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains walnuts and honey, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Green walnut preserves are a sweet and tangy treat that is relatively low in calories and fats. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green walnut preserves are a delicious and unique treat that can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for desserts. This recipe is a traditional method of preserving green walnuts and creating a sweet and tangy treat that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Green Walnut Preserves. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Mary in the quaint little village of Oakwood. Aunt Mary was known far and wide for her delicious preserves and jams, and I had always admired her skill in the kitchen.

One sunny afternoon, as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Aunt Mary reached into her old wooden recipe box and pulled out a yellowed piece of paper. She held it out to me with a smile, saying, "This, my dear, is a recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. It's for Green Walnut Preserves, a delicacy that is much loved by all who taste it."

I eagerly took the paper from her hands and read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for green walnuts, sugar, water, and a few spices. It seemed simple enough, but I could tell that there was something special about it that set it apart from other preserves.

Aunt Mary explained that the key to making the perfect Green Walnut Preserves was to harvest the walnuts at just the right time, when they were still young and tender. She showed me how to carefully peel off the outer skin, revealing the pale green nut inside. It was a laborious process, but one that was well worth the effort.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Aunt Mary shared stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The tradition of making Green Walnut Preserves had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to the recipe.

I watched in awe as Aunt Mary expertly boiled the walnuts in a syrup of sugar and water, adding just the right amount of spices to enhance the flavor. The kitchen filled with a warm, sweet aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

After several hours of simmering on the stove, the preserves were finally ready. Aunt Mary carefully ladled them into jars, sealing them with wax to preserve their freshness. She handed me a jar to take home with me, along with the precious recipe that I knew I would treasure forever.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to try my hand at making Green Walnut Preserves on my own. I followed the recipe to the letter, remembering Aunt Mary's gentle guidance and the love that she had put into every batch she made.

The result was beyond my wildest dreams. The preserves were rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I shared them with my family and friends, who all marveled at the unique taste of the Green Walnut Preserves.

From that day on, making Green Walnut Preserves became a cherished tradition in my own family. I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, just as Aunt Mary had done for me. Every year, as the green walnuts ripened on the trees, we would gather together in the kitchen to create a new batch of preserves, adding our own memories and stories to the mix.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I am grateful for the legacy that Aunt Mary passed down to me. The recipe for Green Walnut Preserves is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a connection to the past, a reminder of the generations of cooks who came before me and the joy that they found in sharing their love through food.

And so, as I stir a pot of bubbling preserves on the stove, I can't help but smile and think of Aunt Mary, and all the women who came before her. Their spirit lives on in every jar of Green Walnut Preserves that I make, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the love that binds us together.