All varieties of nuts make great snacks. Not only do they taste great, they are extremely good for you too. Instead of just snacking on nuts, here are some easy and delicious ways to use them in your cooking. Let's take a closer look...
Gourmet nuts are one of the most nutritious snacks you can serve. They are full of protein, potassium, fiber, and many other useful vitamins and minerals. When used in cooking, though, they take on a whole new dimension. creative chefs use all types of gourmet nuts in appetizers, main courses, and desserts. But it doesn't take a skilled chef to whip up some interesting creations that call for almonds, cashews, macadamias, walnuts, and more.
Baking With Nuts
Several nuts are frequently used in breads and desserts. Pistachios in particular are excellent additions to your favorite butter cookie recipe. Almonds are another great choice for cookies, as are macadamia nuts. In fact, just about every kind of nut has been used in cookie and bread recipes. They provide a pleasing texture contrast to dough in addition to an added boost of flavor.
In addition to cookies and breads, nuts are excellent toppings for cakes and tortes. Usually nuts like cashews or walnuts are crushed and spread atop the icing to create a complementary texture.
And of course, if you like to make candy, pecans, almonds, and filberts are the perfect match with dark or milk chocolate.
Coating For Chicken And Fish
Just use a rolling pin or similar kitchen gadget to crush your favorite nut to use as a topping. Pistachios, cashews, macadamias, and filberts are great toppings for baked or even grilled fish. Just brush the fish filet with olive oil so the nuts will stick, and then bake. The nuts will get golden brown and add a unique taste.
The same idea holds true for chicken. We like crushed walnuts as a coating for chicken breasts but go ahead and sample with your own preferences. Almonds, cashews, and macadamias work great too.
Nuts In Stir Frys
Stir fry dishes are all the rage because they're so healthy and fun to cook. Add some peanuts, almonds, or cashews to any Asian or stir fry recipe for even more healthy benefits! We like using roasted peanuts or cashews, or both. Add them when the stir fry is just about done, and just steam lightly so the nuts are slightly warm when served. You don't want to put them in too soon because they will soften and changes their crunchy texture.
Summary
Gourmet nuts are very versatile, not only as a snack but in your favorite recipes as well. They are ideal for baking, as a crunchy coating for chicken and fish, or as a new texture in stir fry dishes. They are loaded with protein, fiber, and other useful nutrients too, so go ahead and have fun experimenting!