10+ Shagbark Hickory Nut Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Shagbark hickory nuts are a delightful and nutritious ingredient that you can easily incorporate into your cooking. They offer a unique flavor and versatility that can enhance many dishes, from baked goods to savory meals. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy these delicious nuts, you’re in the right place.

In this article, you will discover various recipes featuring shagbark hickory nuts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these ideas will inspire you to create tasty treats that highlight their rich, buttery flavor. Get ready to explore the wonderful world of shagbark hickory nut recipes!

1) Traditional Hickory Nut Milk Recipe

Making traditional hickory nut milk is a fun way to use this wild nut. You’ll enjoy the rich flavor it adds to your drinks and recipes.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You need cracked shagbark hickory nuts and water.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cracked hickory nuts
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place the cracked hickory nuts in a blender.
2. Add the water to the blender.
3. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth.
4. Strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl.
5. Optionally, simmer the strained milk over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.

Enjoy your homemade hickory nut milk as a drink or in recipes!

2) Maple Nut Cookies with Shagbark Hickory

These maple nut cookies are a delightful treat that features the unique flavor of shagbark hickory nuts. The combination of maple syrup and these nuts makes for a deliciously crunchy cookie.

To make the cookies, gather your ingredients first. You’ll want to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth baking experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/3 cups chopped shagbark hickory nuts

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
3. Stir in the maple syrup until combined.
4. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Fold in the hickory nuts gently.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

3) Sarah Polk’s Historic Hickory Nut Cake

Sarah Polk’s Hickory Nut Cake is a delicious dessert with a great history. This cake is easy to make and perfect for family gatherings. It features rich flavors from hickory nuts, making each bite special.

To start, you’ll need simple ingredients, including butter and sugar. The hickory nuts add a unique taste and texture that make this cake stand out.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped hickory nuts or pecans
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Stir in vanilla and nuts.
5. Combine flour and baking powder, then add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
6. Pour into a greased cake pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4) Hickory Nut-Infused Shortbread Cookies

Hickory nut-infused shortbread cookies offer a delightful twist to the classic recipe. The rich flavor of hickory nuts pairs nicely with the buttery texture of shortbread. You’ll love the warmth these cookies bring to any gathering.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, all-purpose flour, and, of course, hickory nuts. These ingredients work together to create a delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 ounces confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped hickory nuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
3. Mix in the orange zest and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour and chopped hickory nuts.
5. Shape the dough into a log and slice it into rounds.
6. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
7. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy your hickory nut-infused shortbread cookies!

5) Bourbon Sauce with Hickory Nut Milk

This Bourbon Sauce is a delightful way to use hickory nut milk in your cooking. It brings a rich flavor that pairs nicely with various dishes.

To make the sauce, start with butter, hickory nut broth, and bourbon. The combination creates a smooth and tasty sauce ideal for drizzling over meats or vegetables.

You will enjoy the touch of sweetness and warmth from the bourbon. Plus, hickory nut milk adds a nutty flavor that makes this sauce stand out.

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup hickory nut broth
• 2 Tbsp bourbon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter and hickory nut broth.
2. Add the bourbon and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix together until smooth.
4. Heat the sauce gently over low heat until warm. Serve as desired.

6) Hickory Bark Ice Cream Delight

You’ll love making this unique Hickory Bark Ice Cream! This treat combines the earthy flavor of hickory bark with creamy goodness. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need shagbark hickory bark for that special flavor. The recipe calls for cream, milk, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound shagbark hickory bark
• 3 cups half and half (or 1.5 cups heavy cream and 1.5 cups whole milk)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Break the hickory bark into small pieces.
2. Boil the bark in a pot of water for about 30 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture to get the hickory flavor.
4. In another pot, mix cream, milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
5. Heat until thick, then combine with the hickory extract.
6. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze before serving. Enjoy!

7) Savory Hickory Nut Pesto

Savory hickory nut pesto is a delicious twist on traditional pesto. It pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, or as a spread on crackers.

To make it, start by gathering fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and, of course, hickory nuts. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich flavor.

You can use hickory nut oil or crushed hickory nuts in this recipe. Both add a unique taste that enhances the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup hickory nuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil, hickory nuts, and garlic.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and blend.
4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.

8) Hickory Nut and Herb-Crusted Chicken

This dish combines the rich taste of hickory nuts with fresh herbs for a delicious twist on chicken. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how great it tastes.

Start by crushing the hickory nuts to create a flavorful crust. Mix them with herbs like parsley and lemon zest for extra brightness. Coat your chicken with this mixture to give it a crunchy topping.

Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until it’s fully cooked. The crust will turn golden brown, and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts
• 1 cup crushed hickory nuts
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Crush the hickory nuts and mix with breadcrumbs, parsley, and lemon zest.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Coat the chicken with the nut mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

9) Hickory Nut Leather Brittle

Hickory nut leather brittle is a delicious treat that combines nutty flavor with a crunchy texture. It’s perfect for snacking or as a sweet addition to your dessert table.

To start, gather your ingredients and get ready to make something unique. The hickory nuts will add a rich taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the brittle.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cups chopped hickory nuts
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (149°C).
3. Stir in the butter, chopped hickory nuts, and vanilla extract.
4. Add baking soda and stir well.
5. Pour onto a greased baking sheet.
6. Let it cool before breaking into pieces.

10) Wild Hickory Nut and Apple Pie

This delicious Wild Hickory Nut and Apple Pie combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the rich nuttiness of hickory nuts. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Start by gathering fresh apples. Slice them thinly and mix with sugar and cinnamon for added flavor.

Next, fold in chopped hickory nuts to give the pie a delightful crunch.

Use a basic pie crust or make your own from scratch. Pour the apple mixture into the crust and top it with another layer of pastry.

Bake the pie at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until the crust is golden.

Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your pie warm or with a scoop of ice cream!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sliced apples
• 1 cup chopped hickory nuts
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice apples and mix with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Fold in hickory nuts.
4. Spread mixture in pie crust.
5. Cover with another crust and seal edges.
6. Bake for 45 minutes.