National Cashew Day

(Google Image) 

By Chef Diane

A few weeks ago, as I was looking through the sale papers, I noticed there was a store that had nuts on sale.  I got a few bags of pistachio nuts for a friend, a few jars of roasted peanuts for my father, and a few cans of cashews for my trash mix that I make at Christmas.   Every year I make trash mix, or Chex mix.  I always put a can of mixed nuts, and 2 cans of cashews, because anyone who has ever made trash can tell you that people pick through and eat the cashews first.

Dear Santa...
(Google Image) 

I also had an uncle who loved them, and he always got a huge can full at each gift giving occasion.   Cashews are very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese.  They make a great snack, and a healthy treat.

(Google Image) 

Today is National Cashew Day; why not celebrate the day by eating some or using them in your favorite recipe.  Below is my recipe for Trash...it’s simple to make, and a delicious treat!

CHEX TRASH MIX

Ingredients

6 cups Corn Chex

6 cups Rice Chex

1/2 bag pretzels, the knot type

1 large can mixed nuts

1 large can cashew nuts

6 TBS butter

2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 tsp season salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 250. 

In a large roaster combine all the ingredients and mix.

Melt butter and mix with Worcestershire sauce and season salt. 

Pour over cereal slowly, stirring as you pour. 

Place in oven and stir every 15 minutes. 

Careful not to crush the cereal. 

Remove in 1 hour and spread over paper towel. 

Let cool and then bag up.

(Google Image) 

Chocolate Covered Cashew Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

My dad loves nuts, he eats almonds and peanuts by the handful, but one of his favorites is cashews.  In fact, at Christmas, when I make my annual "trash" or chex mix, I put 2 cans of cashews in because people always pick them out first. Cashew nuts grow on trees that are related to mango and pistachio trees. They grow naturally in India and Brazil, as these trees thrive in hot and tropical climates. The cashew nut actually grows on the end of a fruit known as a cashew apple.

(Google Image)

Today is an extra special day.  Not only does it involve my favorite nut, but also chocolate…my favorite Everything!  Today is Chocolate covered Cashew Day.  I have been doing extensive research on this day, but didn't come up with much.  I did learn that Chocolate Covered Cashews are celebrated every April 21st, and I’m sure many other days too.  There are many different brands you can try; there are dark and milk chocolate varieties too.  If you can't find any locally, you can also make your own.  I found a few videos online giving instructions on how to make them, but you can simply melt some chocolate and pour it over your cashews, or either stir them in, even dunk them one at a time.  Lay them on wax paper and let them cool.

(Google Image) 

Take your time to celebrate Chocolate Covered Cashew Day by enjoying a few handfuls of these yummy treat.

(Google Image)