I'm a bit of a nut head. An entire shelf in my kitchen cupboard is dedicated to my nut collection, with each kind of nut having its own designated jar. I also keep snack sizes of mixed nuts to stash in my purse when I'm heading out the door. When enjoyed in their raw state and preferably organic, nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and they even lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides Read more

When it's cold out, I crave hot soups, but sometimes, a crunchy salad with a warm component can be just as gratifying. Take this easy lunch salad for example. It's got piles of healthy spinach, salty almonds, and roasted pears. Instead of tossing in croutons and blue cheese, this delicious combination is served alongside the salad in fresh-from-the-oven toasts. I had planned on using dried Read more

One of my favorite perks of the holiday season are the homemade treats that my friends deliver to the house. To reciprocate the kind gesture, I considered doing some canning and cooking for their gifts, but then thought better of the little time I have and decided a jar full of tasty and toasty almonds was a better option. On their own, almonds offer up a bevy of health benefits with the loads of Read more

I never turn down an invitation to a holiday party. Too often, it's the same for the food, cocktails, and treats that often accompany them. To make sure I'm snacking smart at the soirees' snack stands, I've checked out two popular items that tend to find their ways onto many a hostess's serving tray — olives and almonds. Ready to see the side-by-side breakdown? Read more

Although deep-frying is a popular way to make a deliciously crunchy chicken, it's not the only method for crusty, finger-licking-good poultry. This recipe demonstrates that finely chopped almonds and a shallow-pan fry result in a succulent and crisp chicken. Served on a bed of lightly wilted spinach and sautéed shallots, it's a simple but well-balanced meal. Pair it with a glass of chilled white Read more

It's no secret that I'm nuts for nuts. From peanuts and almonds to cashews and walnuts, I'm a fan. A perfect snack for folks on the go, they satiate a hungry tummy while providing a healthy dose of fat and protein. Once upon a time, they were all the same to me. Now I pay attention to which nut I'm eating and how it benefits my diet so I can feel better about what I'm tossing on my salad or into Read more

Nuts have to be one of the world's perfect snacks. They're filling because of their fiber content, a great source of protein, and full of healthy fats. As wonderful as they are, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and in the case of nuts, I'm referring to calories. One ounce of nuts (about a handful) is the perfect serving size, but if you start mindlessly munching, you could be Read more

Although I eat as many salads in Winter as I do in Summer, the type of salads I consume is very different. In Summer, I crave light, leafy, and refreshing salads with fresh fruit and herbs. In Winter, I enjoy hearty salads with lots of textural elements, dark greens, and warm vinaigrettes. This recipe is my ideal Winter salad. It combines arugula, endive, and radicchio with toasted, crunchy Read more