Tasty Ideas

Whether you're serving salad or soup, pasta or poultry, almonds are a natural and healthful addition to any menu. With their excellent nutritional profile, almonds can be a part of an overall balanced diet. Here are some heart-healthy tips for incorporating wholesome, crunchy almonds into your diet:

* Make "nut crumbs" by adding whole toasted almonds to the bowl of a food processor and pulsing on and off until the almonds are coarsely ground. Use them as a wholesome gratin topping for casseroles, or sprinkle on pasta and grain dishes.

* Bursting with flavor, savory seasoned almonds are the perfect topping for your favorite side or main dish. In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, toss whole natural or slivered almonds in a small amount of vegetable oil until golden. Add your choice of dried herbs, then sprinkle over salads, vegetables and pasta.

* Mix toasted slivered or sliced almonds into grain-based dishes, such as Middle Eastern classic Tabbouleh or other bulgur wheat salads to add flavor, nutrition and crunch. Or pair them with quinoa, hailed as the "super grain of the future" for its healthful nutrition profile.

* The mild flavor of almonds is the perfect complement to vibrant Asian flavors. Try tossing finely diced toasted almonds into a ginger-shrimp sauté or adding toasted whole natural almonds to Chinese vegetable stir-fry dishes.

* Almond butter is a nutritious and hearty topping for bagels or muffins. And, it's easy to make at home by chopping whole natural almonds in a food processor with a little vegetable oil, salt and sugar until almost smooth.

* Visual appeal is important in low-fat cooking. Make a prudent parfait look sinful by layering frozen yogurt, pureed frozen berries and toasted sliced almonds in an elegant stemmed glass. Or, make individual trifles by adding layers of cubed angel food cake. Garnish with sprigs of mint, sliced almonds or whole berries, and serve with almond biscotti.

* The buttery flavor and crunchy texture of almonds make them a perfect topper for freshly baked low-fat scones and breads. Before baking scones, brush them with milk or egg white and top with slivered or chopped almonds. And for extra special quick breads sprinkle chopped almonds on them before baking, or knead toasted chopped or slivered almonds into yeast bread dough.

* To give hot cereal just a little more panache, mix in dried cranberries or cherries and a generous amount of chopped toasted almonds just before serving. Serve with skim milk and a drizzle of maple syrup.

* Satisfy your palate while watching your waistline by steaming your favorite fresh fish and vegetables and sprinkling them with toasted, sliced almonds. Serve with wedges of lemon or lime. You get all the flavor and all the benefits of a healthy, low-fat meal.

* *Plain roasted chicken is enhanced by stuffing it with diced apples, onions, garlic, herbs and coarsely chopped, toasted whole almonds.

* To make surprisingly delicious and crunchy "croutons," heat your oven to 350 degrees, then toss 2/3 cup slivered almonds with 2 teaspoons olive oil in a shallow baking pan; arrange almonds in a single layer in pan and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt before baking 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown, tossing once. Cool, and toss the "croutons" with green salads just before serving, or sprinkle on steamed vegetables

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