by partysugar 8

Toasting nuts before you use them to bake or make pesto brings out their intense richness. It gives the nut a deeper, nuttier flavor. Although many recipes say to toast the nuts in the oven, you can just as simply toast them on the stove. Since I'm usually toasting a small amount, I actually prefer to toast them on the stove because they are less likely to burn. Here's the technique I practice:

• Heat a large dry frying pan — you want all of the nuts to fit in a single layer — over medium-high heat.
• Add the whole nuts and toast, stirring often. When they are fragrant with a light-brown color, remove from the heat. It shouldn't take longer than a couple of minutes.
• Let nuts cool on a plate or paper towels before using.

How about you? What's your nut-toasting technique?