Pecans and other winter nuts are well in season. From now until as late as February, pecans and walnuts are ready for the picking.

Locally, pecan picking is great fun on a crisp winter day, but not all of us have time for that. This time of year, our local grocery stores fill their bins with endless varieties and quantities of all our favorite nuts. With an endless way to prepare them, winter nuts are simply wonderful. But they are not just for cracking and eating while watching football. These oil heavy jewels will add tremendous flavor to many of our favorite meats and vegetables. Try out these recipes. They are sure to cause you and your family to go absolutely nuts when you try them.

–Chef John Strand