Full question
Nigella's Warm Blondie Pudding calls for chopped walnuts. My son is allergic to walnuts (and pecans, cashews and pistachios), but not almonds or hazelnuts. Which would be a better substitute for the walnuts: chopped almonds or hazelnuts? And do I need to toast them?
Our answer
Nigella's Warm Blondie Pudding (from AT MY TABLE) is a gluten-free blondie made with ground almonds (almond meal) and white chocolate. It is wonderful served warm as a pudding cake but can also be served cold, cut into small squares or bars.
The walnuts add some extra texture and crunch as a contrast to the squidgy blondie base. As you mention that almonds or hazelnuts are fine to use then we would suggest using whichever of these is your favourite. They are both slightly harder in texture than walnuts but this should not be a big problem and you should chop them coarsely. We would however suggest using blanched or skinned almonds or hazelnuts as the skins are slightly tougher than the skins on walnuts. They do not need to be toasted in advance, though you could do this if you like. It is not mentioned if your son also has an allergy to macademia nuts (another tree nut) but if you are able to use them then macademias could be another alternative.
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