Walnuts

I often blog about the simple things in life.  Today I wanted to talk about walnuts.  In baking people often purchase the already shelled version in the bag.  When on a hike the shelled version makes it into delicious trail mix frequently too.  But it is the walnuts in the shell that really intrigues me.  I love the unique texture of each walnut, like a snowflake.  They are both smooth and rough when picked up, and so protected that it requires a metal nutcracker to claim the delicacy inside.  It is an art to crack a walnut in a way where the edible bit stays in one piece, and somehow satisfying each and every time I accomplish this feat.  Often these nuts are seen in abundance around the holiday season, but I think it is a simple treat that deserves to be enjoyed all year long.