A simple ganache centre and a coating of chopped pistachios make these small truffles suitable for a dessert tray. This version uses chocolate and cream rather than biscuit crumbs. Chilling does most of the work, so leave enough time for the centre to become scoopable before shaping.

These walnut cookies use a buttery shortbread dough rather than an egg-white base. Finely chopped nuts give a tender, sandy texture, while a walnut half makes an easy finish. Keep the dough cool and let the baked cookies firm up on the tray before moving them.

A soft yogurt cake becomes a bright dessert with a thin pomegranate glaze and pistachio slivers. The juice belongs in the topping, where its flavour stays clear without adding too much liquid to the batter. Add fresh seeds shortly before serving.

Pumpkin purée gives this loaf a golden colour and a soft, close crumb. Walnuts and cinnamon add texture and warmth, while a few pumpkin seeds make a simple topping. The key is thick purée: watery pumpkin can leave the centre heavy even after a long bake.

Small apple pieces keep this everyday cake tender, while walnuts give each slice a little crunch. The cinnamon is warm rather than overpowering, with cardamom as an optional addition. Use a firm apple and weigh it after peeling so excess fruit does not weigh down the batter.

A handful of almonds, fresh water and a good straining cloth are enough to make a mild almond drink at home. This recipe includes optional cinnamon, cardamom and honey, but the unsweetened base is useful for porridge and smoothies too.

This simple pistachio drink uses milk, shelled pistachios and a little honey. It is lighter in texture than an ice-cream shake, with an optional touch of cardamom and rose water.

These buttery cookies combine chewy dried fruit with crisp pieces of walnut and almond. The dough is simple, but a short chill helps the cookies spread evenly.

A tray of warm cashews is easy to customise with pantry spices. The base recipe uses paprika and sesame; two simple variations offer zaatar or a honey-cinnamon finish.

Fresh basil and gently toasted nuts are the foundation of a good pesto. Start with the pine nut version below, then try walnuts for a deeper flavour or pistachios for a sweeter finish.