Historically, walnuts haven't been an ingredient that comes to mind often when I'm cooking — I typically eat them out of my hand and in banana bread, but that's about it. But recently, I attended a seminar with cooking host Joanne Weir and the California Walnut Board and Commission, where we enjoyed a walnut-centered lunch. From that broadening meal, I learned so many new ways to incorporate Read more

Love the texture and flavor of nuts? Then take the time to toast them before adding them to dishes. The difference between regular and toasted nuts is noticeable: a short period of high heat will release the oils within the nuts, enhancing the nutty flavor and the crunchy texture. If you're toasting a small amount of nuts, a cup or so, use a pan on the stove over medium-high heat. There's no Read more

I have a newfound appreciation for all things almond these days. I really appreciate the texture and the flavor (not to mention the health benefits) that this oblong nut brings to recipes. On its own, it stands out as a superb snack or appetizer, but it can also add some serious crunch factor to seemingly mundane dishes. Here are five ways to eat up the almonds sitting in your pantry. Toss up Read more

It's inevitable that the snack table is one of the most popular socializing zones in the house during the holiday season. Due to their close proximity to the television, treat-filled coffee tables are prime targets for unconscious nibbling — and who doesn't like snacking while watching a sporting event or a favorite Christmas movie? This year, try removing the bowls of candies and chocolates Read more

The adjective "spiced" doesn't do these pecans justice. A mix of sweet, citrus-y, salty, peppery, and aromatic, the flavor that coats every cranny of these pecans perfectly enhances the almost gooey but also crunchy texture. The cozy combo of spices is redolent of Winter and makes a delicious holiday snack for a party spread or just around the house. These spiced pecans also make an easy but Read more

You know how the song goes, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire . . ." Well, in this case, they're roasting in an oven, but the whole thing's still wonderfully romantic and festive. Grab a bunch of them while you can at the grocery store, because these seasonal treats are fleeting! If you've never tried a chestnut, be sure to peel away the fuzzy inner skin just below the outer shell. Scoring the Read more

A new report from Harvard researchers has found the top foods that are making us fat, and the findings are not at all surprising. The extensive study used data for over 120,000 healthy men and women from previous studies to track their diet every four years from 1986 to 2006 to see how their lifestyle and what they ate affected their weight. The researchers found that within each period the Read more