Nuts are folded into some of the most delicious and nourishing dishes. California is renowned for its agricultural abundance, and nuts are one of our leading commodities…almonds and walnuts in particular. Did you know there are acres of black walnuts growing alongside the old Monterey Highway near Morgan Hill?

Each nut has a different profile, but most are high in protein, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, fiber and good fats. These fats, unsaturated, mono- and poly-unsaturated, play important roles in heart health and cholesterol.

Raw nuts, meaning they’re not altered or heated, contain valuable enzymes that aid the digestion process. Raw food enthusiasts and those with a dairy or wheat intolerance choose nut milks or ground nuts, like pecans, as alternatives in pie crusts.

Raw nuts and apples are good to keep on hand for quick pick-me-ups. The combination of fiber and protein provides the energy boost you need to help your son with homework or reenergize your daughter for her soccer game.

Looking for gifts for the children’s teachers? Whip up an easy batch of Pistachio Brittle with the kids. Involve them in every step of prep, from shopping to measuring to breaking brittle into edible pieces. When it comes to heating the mixture, just let them know this part is for aparent and they can come back to help finish up in a few minutes.

Pistachio Brittle

Children enjoy breaking brittle into smaller pieces, placing in decorative bags and tying them up with a bow as gifts.

• 2 cups sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 stick unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup light corn syrup

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 12 oz shelled pistachios

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the caramel is deep amber and has the first hints of a lightly burnt aroma (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda. Stir in pistachios, then scrape mix onto a rimmed, lightly greased baking sheet. Spread mix into a thin, even layer. Cool completely, 30 minutes. Break brittle into large pieces.