Facts and Interesting Information

Nutrition:
Did you know?
Macadamia nuts are...

...composed of 88% fat.
    -If you are thinking that makes it unhealthy though, you are wrong.  Macadamia nuts are packed with unsaturated fats (the healthiest kind).

...a good source of fiber.
    -About 65% of the carbohydrates in a Macadamia nut is dietary fiber.

...great for anti-inflammatory response.
    -The nuts are full of fatty acids, antioxidants, and other contributing substances that give this nut an extremely high anti-inflammatory rating.

For more information of Macadamia nut nutrition, click here.

Fun Facts:
Did you know?

The shell of the Macadamia nut is the strongest of all nuts.  It takes 300 pounds per square inch to crack open this tough nut!

The United States is the largest consumer of Macadamia nuts at 51%.  Japan is in second with 15%.

The nuts are not picked from the tree, but are harvested once they have fully ripened and fallen to the ground.

Cookie Recipe:
Orange Macadamia Nut Cookies
What you will need:
1 cup sugar                                            1 teaspoon orange oil or orange extract
1 cup cut up, unsalted butter                                          3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup toasted macadamia nuts* (chopped)       1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Zest from 2 oranges                                                              1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg                                                                         2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons half/half or orange juice                     4-5 tablespoons orange liquor
1 teaspoon vanilla extract                      1/4 teaspoon orange oil or orange extract
1 teaspoon grated orange peel                                   24 macadamia nuts- halves

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.  Place sugar, butter, 1/2 cup nuts and orange (learn more about the orange by clicking here) zest in food processor.  (Dough also can be made using mixer).  Pulse until combined; process 20 to 30 seconds or until mixture is blended.  Add egg, half/half or orange juice, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon orange oil or orange extract.  Pulse briefly to blend.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt; pulse until dough starts to form.

Turn out onto lightly floured surface.  Divide dough in half.  Knead each half until smooth; pat into flat rounds.  Cover and refrigerate for two hours.

When ready to bake, heat over to 350 degrees.  On lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough into 6 inch rounds about 3/4 inch think.  Cut cookies with 1 to 1 1/4 inch round scalloped cookie cutter.  Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet.  Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Meanwhile in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of the orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon orange oil, and 1 teaspoon orange peel.  Add remaining 1 tablespoon orange juice if necessary.

Take cookies out and let cool completely.  Spread glaze over each cookie and place a macadamia nut half on each as well.

*To roast nuts, spread on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 4 to 6 minutes.

Enjoy!



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