A popular treat from the islands of Hawaii are the unique little macadamia nuts that are grown exclusively in the tropical climate of the island state. Found in hotel mini bars throughout the world and used in baking one of the most delicious tasting cookies the nut is a Hawaiian native that is sought out be confectioners and bakers as well as travelers to the islands. The dense nut is harvested in approximately a third of what other nut bearing trees deliver from their growing season. Making the nut more luxurious and more expensive the meat of the macadamia is crunchy and chewy which by comparison to walnuts or hazelnuts and makes it an ideal ingredient for cooking and baking.
Roasted and sealed in a vacuum packed container many people enjoy eating the Hawaiian gifts straight from the canister. By refrigerating the containers the macadamia nuts are kept fresh and can last for a long time if someone is able to resist the delicious flavor of the nut. Like many people that enjoy a special treat every now and again I cannot say no to the freshly baked white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts that are found inside a soft chewy baked cookie. Although I have never attempted to bake a batch of the cookies myself I do like to stop by the food court when I am at the mall and purchase one of the rich dessert items that can be found at a renowned cookie bakery franchise. Warm from the oven the chips are gooey and melted, yet the nuts are crunchy making them the perfect addition to the soft dough of the cookie.
When vacationing I am also tempted by the small canisters of macadamia nuts that are found in the little refrigerator that sits close to the bed in my hotel room. Occasionally I surrender to the special Hawaiian gifts that are grown on macadamia nut farms of the islands. Making an ideal holiday treat for family and friends that can be delivered anywhere in the world orders of nuts directly from the grower account for some of the best gifts given during the holidays. From the 19 acre farm that is home to 10 acres of mature macadamia trees the harvest is sent to every major US city and can be found in markets across the country. A humble yet very satisfying member of the nut family the macadamia is by far the most prestigious of all the nuts that are grown around the world and perhaps continues to be among the more interesting protein snacks that are enjoyed by people with an appetite for the flavor and tradition of Hawaii.