What plant/nut is this?

[TCUHunter34]

Gall

This seems to be the answer. Went back and found them growing on branches of almost all the aspen trees in this specific location.

 

[BBob]

Thanks for the follow up. I just messaged my plant guy friend that suggested "Gall" to me. He was pleased to hear his guess was correct

 

[SWOHTR]

I think the scientific term is "Deez"

and you can buy them here…

 

[Blowdowner]

Now the next question is - is your Aspen groove cooked? I have no answer to that might be worth forwarding to a local university.