“Walnuts look like the brain and are a superfood for the brain”
-Anonymous
We all usually spend our Sundays with our family, but what could be better than some girl time combined with some joyful Holiday baking for the festive season?
On the 10th of December, 2023, California Walnuts and GurgaonMoms had hosted an Invite only event ‘California Walnuts Holiday Baking Workshop’ by celebrity chef Tejasvi Chandela for GurgaonMoms selected members at Le Meridien, New Delhi.
I reached the venue to many familiar and some new faces and its always so wonderful meeting all the fellow members of the community.I’m sure anyone who has ever attended a GurgaonMoms event would agree that the GurgaonMoms team is always so warm ,welcoming and cheerful that one immediately feels at home. After a quick catch up with everyone , lots of photo ops and a brisk breakfast we all settled for the workshop to begin.
The event started with Subhashini Ramasubramanian– Director Brand Associations, GurgaonMoms giving us a short insight into the health benefits of walnuts ,followed by a brief introduction of the most cheerful and jovial team at California Walnuts, Robert Verloop- CEO and Executive Director and Pamela Graviet – Vice President for Integrated Marketing California Walnut Comission and Board who then gave us an understanding of how California Walnuts are a perfect marriage between health and taste.
Walnuts are not only a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and anti-oxidants but are also a very high source of plant based protein and fibre ,making it one of the healthiest nuts amongst all.
Robert Verloop adressing the participants
Did you know- walnuts could be a great substitute for meat ? and as Pam said, after having meatless walnut tacos, her son doesn’t want to have Tacos any other way! I’m definitely trying this soon!
Oh and Rob shared how he likes to keep his walnuts in the fridge next to the cheese, because they make a great snacking option together.
Chef Tejasvi Chandela with Pamela Graviet
After some wonderful takeaways about the benefits and versatility of walnuts from Pam and Rob we were all geared up to learn new recipes from Chef Tejasvi.
Chef Tejasvi had carefully selected the following easy to bake recipes using our star ingredient- California Walnuts.
1.Winter California Walnut Loaf cake( with Egg and eggless)
2.California Walnut Coffee cookies
3 Candied California Walnuts for snacking.
The recipes were simple, uncomplicated and fuss-free with minimal ingredients that one could easily find in their pantry.
As Chef Tejasvi rightly said, baking is all about having fun, so one must keep experimenting without fearing the outcome. She not only shared some excellent tips and tricks but also busted some age old myths about baking in general, making the session informative, fun and very enriching.
California Walnuts inspired lunch spread
After lots of group photos we all proceeded for lunch. The lunch was a delectable spread of seasonal winter favourites like sarson ka saag,makki ki roti but the highlight was the specially curated array of innovative recipes that creatively incorporated California Walnuts in a way that one couldn’t have imagined! From a walnut and mint raita to walnut koftas to pulao, there was even a fish in a walnut sauce which was a first for me. One unanimous favourite was the absolutely sinful walnut halwa,loaded with the nuttiness and the goodness of California Walnuts and oodles of ghee.
But the fun didn’t end there ,all of us received goodie bags by California Walnuts which made the afternoon even more memorable.
Priyanka Talreja with Chef Tejasvi
Thankyou GurgaonMoms,California Walnuts and Chef Tejasvi for an absolutely incredible Workshop.While I did know Walnuts are a super food but this workshop was an eye opener of sorts because we got to learn so much more about the humble walnut.I’m really looking forward to baking all the yummy recipes with my 6 year old as soon as the winter break commences.
This article is by Priyanka Talreja
