Walnut picking

Walnut picking season is in full swing! Our house is no exception. Austin and Aaron have been picking these black walnuts up on and off for a week now. They were traveling the dirt roads in search of places that hadn't been harvested yet. Most of the people they have asked have been nice and let them pick but some have been snots about it. Good grief, they are just kids wanting a little extra spending money and right now is the highest they've been at $13 a hundred after hulling. They are messy, leaving black icky crap that permanently stains clothes and hands as well. Picking walnuts is not HARD work but it is tiresome and hurts one's back by the end of the day. Not to mention being covered in ticks and mosquito bites! But...by the time they travel to Letterman Feeds and weigh in, it is worth the effort :)

Chris and I were talking in the kitchen last night as we were cooking supper about how yummy those walnuts would be in baked goods this winter. Then the light bulb moment happened! I hopped on this wonderful 'information highway' and read how to hull, cure and store black walnuts. Yep, I am gonna try it folks! Not sure of the result but at least I'll have tried and as expensive as they are in the grocery stores...well, it seems like a little effort on my part sure won't hurt. So, whether it's apple crisp, or banana nut muffins or whatever creation comes to mind...those walnuts sure will be a nice treat!