In a bowl, mix together the mascarpone, chopped walnuts, 1 tsp sugar, salt and pepper.

Cut the bread into small rectangles and, using a pastry bag or teaspoon, place a little mascarpone cream on each rectangle.

Place the tartlets on a tray lined with a colorful napkin and serve.

Food History

Walnuts have been around since ancient times when there were believed to have many benefits. In Latin, walnuts were called Jovis glans, meaning the nut of Jove. Due to the shape of walnuts, similar to that of a human head, ancient doctors believed that they were a cure for mental diseases. Among the lower classes, walnuts were known as great aphrodisiacs. Venetians used to bring walnuts to weddings in hopes of great prosperity for the newlyweds. Walnuts were also used to perform magic. It was believed that if you placed a walnut in the pocket of someone you loved, they would immediately return the sentiment. During the Middle Ages, however, walnuts lost some of their mystic and were used to cure stomach diseases.

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