Oh, “shagbark hickory”! What a magnificent tree with its unique, shaggy bark and delicious nuts! It paints a beautiful picture of Americana, and indeed, the nuts are a true delight.
However, I must confess a little geographical chuckle! While the Netherlands is absolutely brimming with delightful pick-your-own experiences, from vibrant tulips and juicy strawberries to crisp apples and plump berries, the majestic shagbark hickory (a true North American native) isn’t typically one you’ll find on a “pluktuin” (picking garden) or farm in the lowlands! It’s more at home in the forests of the eastern U.S. and Canada.
But fear not! The spirit of your request – the sheer joy of gathering your own natural bounty from a Dutch farm – is absolutely alive and well! Let’s imagine, for a moment, we’ve found a magical Dutch grove where the trees grow with a distinct, shaggy bark, and their delicious nuts tumble to the ground, just waiting to be discovered. Or, more realistically, let’s talk about the incredible fun of picking something equally wonderful and widely available in the Netherlands, like walnuts (okkernoten), which offer a similar rustic charm and the satisfying crunch of a self-harvested treat!
The Joy of the Harvest: Picking Your Own Dutch Delights!
Imagine a crisp autumn day in the Netherlands. The air is fresh, perhaps with a hint of earthy dampness, and the leaves on the trees are turning glorious shades of gold and russet. You’ve heard whispers of a local farm where you can ‘plukken’ – pick your own. Armed with a sturdy basket (or even just your pockets!), you set off, either solo for a moment of peaceful communion with nature, or with a gaggle of friends and family, laughter echoing through the fields.
Whether you’re bending low for juicy berries, reaching high for apples, or, in our imaginative scenario, sifting through fallen leaves for those prized walnuts, the experience is pure delight. There’s something incredibly primal and satisfying about directly harvesting your food. The thrill of the hunt, the gentle tug or satisfying crack as you detach your bounty, the earthy smell that clings to your hands – it’s a sensory feast! Kids absolutely love it, turning it into a treasure hunt, while adults rediscover a simple pleasure often lost in our busy lives. You’re not just buying food; you’re creating memories, connecting with the land, and truly earning your delicious reward. Plus, knowing exactly where your food comes from and that you picked it yourself? Priceless!
Bringing Your Bounty Home: Ways to Enjoy Your Walnuts!
Once your basket is brimming with your hard-won walnuts, the fun continues back in your cozy Dutch home. Giving them a good rinse, a quick crack (if they haven’t been picked shelled!), and then… the possibilities are endless!
Delicious Culinary Creations:
1. Speedy & Scrumptious Walnut Pesto
This isn’t just for pasta! It’s fantastic on sandwiches, stirred into soups, or dolloped onto grilled chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (about 100g) fresh walnuts, shelled
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegetarian hard cheese)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, pulse the walnuts, basil, and garlic until roughly chopped.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse again until combined.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve immediately with pasta, spread on bruschetta, or use as a vibrant dip!
2. Warm Autumn Salad with Roasted Root Vegetables, Goats Cheese & Walnuts
A hearty and flavourful salad perfect for a cool evening, showcasing the walnuts’ earthy crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, radicchio)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium parsnip, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup shelled walnuts, roughly chopped
- 100g soft goats cheese, crumbled
- For the Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey (optional), salt and pepper.
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the diced sweet potato and parsnip with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted vegetables, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goats cheese.
- Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Serve warm.
A Delightful Drink: The “Nutcracker” Old Fashioned Cocktail
Walnuts lend a beautiful depth to cocktails, especially an Old Fashioned.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml (2 oz) Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 7.5 ml (¼ oz) Walnut Liqueur (like Nocino), OR 5 ml (1 tsp) rich simple syrup with 2 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Large ice cube
- Orange peel, for garnish
- A few fresh walnuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a sturdy rocks glass, combine the whiskey, walnut liqueur (or simple syrup and black walnut bitters), and Angostura bitters.
- Add a large ice cube.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail slightly.
- Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the drink, then drop it into the glass.
- For an extra touch, garnish with a few shelled walnuts skewered on a cocktail pick. Sip and savour the rich, nutty notes!
So, even if shagbark hickory isn’t a Dutch resident, the pleasure of picking your own produce and transforming it into delicious meals and drinks is a universal joy that thrives wonderfully in the charming Dutch countryside! Enjoy your harvest, whatever it may be!