Look at these walnuts. Just look at them.

My mom used to tell me to eat walnuts when I was little because they'd make me smarter. Now that I think about it, they kind of do look like brains...

Turns out that there is science behind that. According to the California Walnuts, walnuts are the only nut that contains a high amount of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), the plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost brain function.

They're also absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, my parents did not store these the correct way (you're supposed to freeze them so that they don't go rancid, because of the high fat content), so I needed to use them up ASAP.

I added a ton to the flourless chocolate zucchini walnut bread I made in my last post, which also included this walnut butter.

I'm not as creative as CA Walnuts, who (in accordance with Spoon University) was lovely enough to send me on a harvest tour last October, but I did manage to use a food processor for the first time (!!) to make my own nut butter. It's so easy, even I could do it.

For a look at the photos from the harvest tour, scroll to the bottom of the post!

"Mexican Hot Chocolate" Walnut Butter

makes 2 cups walnut butter | serving size: 2 tbsp | paleo, vegan, vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups raw walnuts
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tbsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp honey
• Melted coconut oil or avocado oil, optional

Directions

1. Add walnuts to the food processor.
2. Process.
3. When mostly paste-like, add the spices and honey and continue processing. If you prefer a creamier (more liquid) butter, add the melted coconut oil or avocado oil to your liking.

There you have it! It tastes better and is healthier than Nutella since it doesn't include weird additives, hydrogenated oils, any dairy, or refined sugar. Plus, it has a nice kick from the cayenne.

Use it to top your favorite Paleo bread, in recipes for baked goods, in your oatmeal... the possibilities are endless.

Or just eat it straight with a spoon — I won't judge ;)

Recipe adapted from Mollie Katzen of California Walnuts

For a look at how the lovely people at CA Walnuts used walnuts during our harvest tour, check these out:

This included a make-your-own trail mix bar, walnut topped-salad, walnut-encrusted salmon, a walnut tart, and walnut chocolate chip cookies!

And these are photos from the actual walnut grove — who knew that walnuts looked like this before you ate them???