November 17, 2015 |
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Adelaida Team
Adelaida's Gone Nuts
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All of our fruit may be picked, pressed and barreled down, but walnut harvest is just beginning at Adelaida Cellars. The Van Steenwyk family became involved with the Adelaida District of Paso Robles in the late 1970s when they purchased the Hill Top Ranch as an agricultural investment. Managed with sustainable farming practices, the dry farmed orchards are planted to five different varieties of English walnuts, all grafted to black walnut rootstock. Why English walnuts instead of black? The black walnut was in fact part of many native American diets but most of the walnuts we eat today are actually English walnuts, which have a milder taste and broader appeal. They also have thinner, easier-to-crack shells. Black walnuts on the other hand have a bolder, earthier flavor. Their shells are thick, tough to crack, and will likely stain your hands. Grown our mountainous terrain, all of our walnuts are hand harvested after being shaken to the ground. They are then transported offsite to be hulled and dried. While a majority of our walnuts are sold to Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc. for distribution, we make sure we have a few 100 lbs available here at the source for our Adelaida guests. Just in time for the holiday season, they are an excellent addition to your favorite recipes. Ask for a sample the next time you are in our Tasting Room!
Walnut and Apple Herb Stuffing
Pair with Adelaida Pinot Noir 2013
Pair with Adelaida Pinot Noir 2013
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• 1/3 cup butter
• 3 onions, medium chopped • 3 celery stalks, chopped • 12 cups bread, cubed • 2 apples, tart, peeled, cored and chopped • 1 1/2 cups Adelaida walnut pieces • 1/2 cup parsley, fresh, chopped • 1/2 cup sage • 1/2 cup rosemary • 1/2 cup thyme • 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups chicken stock • salt and pepper, to taste |
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DIRECTIONS: • In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and celery; cook 5 minutes or until soft. • In a large bowl, mix bread, onion mixture, apples and walnuts. Add parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Mix in enough chicken stock to moisten bread. Season with salt and pepper. • Loosely fill turkey cavity and follow cooking instructions for the weight of the bird; or make single servings by baking at 375° in small well buttered oven-proof ramekins for 25 minutes or until heated through and brown on top. |