Walnut Tapenade Food

WALNUT TAPENADE

Steps:

• Soak sundried tomatoes in boiling water for 10 minutes then drain.
• Put freshly toasted walnuts in a clean tea towel, cover and rub to remove most of the skin.
• Place soaked tomatoes, walnuts, parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper in a pestle and mortar or blender and grind into a chunky paste. Add oil and mix or blend until well combined.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. This will keep well for up to two weeks.

FIG AND WALNUT TAPENADE WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine chopped figs and 1/3 cup water in heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates and figs are soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer to medium bowl. Mix in olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, capers, and chopped thyme. Season tapenade to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• Arrange overlapping cheese rounds in circle in center of medium platter. Stir chopped walnuts into tapenade; spoon into center of cheese circle. Garnish with walnut halves and thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve with breads and/or crackers.

WALNUT AND FIG TAPENADE WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine chopped figs and 1/3 cup water in heavy saucepan.
• Cook over medium-high heat until liquid evaporates and figs are soft, about 7 minutes.
• Transfer to medium bowl.
• Mix in olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, capers, and chopped thyme.
• Season tapenade to taste with salt and pepper.*.
• Cover and refrigerate.
• Bring to room temperature before serving.
• *This dish can be prepared 2 days in advance.
• Arrange overlapping cheese rounds in the center of a medium platter.
• Stir chopped walnuts into tapenade and place in center of cheese circle.
• Garnish with walnut HALVES and thyme sprigs.
• Serve with great crackers.

WALNUT BUTTER SPREAD

Steps:

• Place walnuts, orange peel, pepper and salt in a food processor; cover and process until creamy. Spread on toast, with preserves and Brie if desired.

TAPENADE

Steps:

• Press the garlic into the lemon juice or if you don't have a garlic press, mince and put it into the lemon juice, while you prepare the other items.
• Put the rest of the ingredients into a food processor and process into a finely chopped paste.
• Put in a bowl and mix in the garlic, lemon juice and olive oil well.
• Serve with bread slices.