Walnut Tapenade Recipes

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.

HERBED WALNUT AND CITRUS TAPENADE

Steps:

• In food processor or blender, place all Tapenade ingredients except walnuts. Cover; process, using quick on-and-off motions, until slightly coarse. Stir in walnuts. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour to blend flavors.
• If desired, soften goat cheese on microwavable plate in microwave uncovered on High about 10 seconds. Spread goat cheese into 1/4-inch layer on serving plate. Top with tapenade; drizzle with additional olive oil. Garnish with rosemary and thyme sprigs. Serve with chips.

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.