Cracking heartnuts
Heartnoten have a hard shell. It is almost impossible to seperate them neatly on the seam with an ordinary nutcracker. No worries: a hammer will do the trick!
![benodigdheden voor kraken](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/m/a/f/temp-fzyquevglllzaxpiokai/zbaj4d/kraken0-1.jpg?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=300%2C224%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=212&height=158)
1. You need:
- a hammer
- a nutcracker or pliers
- a flat knife
Make sure you work on a hard surface.
![hartnoot vastpakken](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/m/a/f/temp-fzyquevglllzaxpiokai/gn9cx5/kraken1-2.jpg?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=300%2C224%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=211&height=158)
2. Hold the nut between your thumb and index finger, with the seam touching the hard surface.
You may want to cover the surface with a cloth.
![hartnoot kraken](https://primary.jwwb.nl/public/m/a/f/temp-fzyquevglllzaxpiokai/wfyvwb/kraken2.jpg?enable-io=true&enable=upscale&crop=300%2C224%2Cx0%2Cy0%2Csafe&width=248&height=185)
3. Give a firm. short blow on the seam with the hammer.
Repeat this until you hear the shell burst with a "tick" (usually after 2 to 3 blows)..
4. Grip the nut in the nutcracker and lightly squeeze until the nut opens slightly at the sharp end.