TOASTED NUTS

In just minutes you can have toasted nuts for your recipes, for topings on ice cream or salad or pasta, even as crumbs for pies and coating fish.

The easiest way to toast nuts is in the oven. Just spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Nuts are best toasted at 375 degrees, but if toasting nuts for a recipe, bake them at the temperature required for the recipe.

Once they're in the oven, however, don't wander far from the kitchen. Nuts can go from perfectly tasted to burned in seconds.

Almonds, slivered or sliced - toast until light golden brown:
at 325 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes
at 350 degrees for 6 to 9 minutes
at 375 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes
at 400 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes

Hazelnuts - toast until slightly darker in color and skins begin to crack:
at 325 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes
at 350 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes
at 375 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes
at 400 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes

Macadamia nuts - toast until golden brown:
at 325 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes
at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes
at 375 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes
at 400 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes

Pecans - toast until slightly darker in color:
at 325 degrees for 7 to 9 minutes
at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes
at 375 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes
at 400 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes

Walnuts - toast until pale brown and fragrant:
at 325 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes
at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes
at 375 degrees for 4 to 6 minutes
at 400 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes

Preparing Fresh Chestnuts

How about some for your stuffing!
Fresh chestnuts aren't difficult to prepare, but it takes a little time.

First, lay them on a towel so they won't move around. Using a small paring knife, cut a 1/2 inch long X in each one. Then place the chestnuts in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium high heat, and cook the nuts for 5 minutes or until the shells begin to curl and open.

Drain the water and peel the nuts immediately.

They're now ready for use in your recipe.