WALNUT COATED CRISP OLIVES

Toasted walnuts and bread crumbs give flavor, texture and new menu use for olives

1 1/2 cups California walnuts, toasted
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs, fresh, unseasoned
3 eggs (large)
2 tablespoons water
1 cup flour, all-purpose
1 lb. (approx. 72) green olives, pimento-stuffed olives
1 1/2 quarts canola oil, for deep frying

Spread toasted walnuts on baking sheet and place in warm place (about 110 degrees F) for several hours or overnight. A gas oven with just the pilot light is ideal. Cool nuts to room temperature before next step.

Combine nuts and crumbs in food processor and process until nuts are finely ground, yet mixture is light and dry. Spread in shallow pan and set aside.

In shallow bowl beat eggs and water together. Set aside. Spread flour on shallow plate or pan and set aside.

Drain olives of any liquid. A few at a time, dip olives in egg, then roll in flour, then dip again in egg. Let excess egg drip off olives, then roll olives in walnut mixture. As olives are coated transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue until all olives are coated with walnut mixture. Refrigerate coated olives for at least 2 hours before frying.

Have canola oil heated to 360 degrees F. Lower 12 olives into oil and fry until coating is golden, about 45 seconds. Drain briefly on paper towels, then serve warm.

Serves 12
Recipe Courtesy of Chef Charlie Palmer