How to Toast Almonds

Toast just about any nut, and you bring out the natural flavors and make the taste more intense.  In this cooking video, I show you how to toast almonds.  It’s a very simple technique, but sometimes the simplest things can add the touches that make a good dish, outstanding.  I won’t toast nuts every time I use them, but if I want to ensure a stronger flavor and a nice crunchy texture, this is the way to go.

HOW TO TOAST ALMONDS

• Put a dry pan on the heat, and let it come up to about medium temperature
• Drop the almonds into the pan.  Ideally they are in a single layer, but it’s ok if some are over lapping
• Let the nuts heat for about 30 seconds, and then toss them in the pan
• Unfortunately, nuts tend to go from toasted to burnt pretty quickly, so I don’t advise you to walk away from the pan; rather stay right there, paying attention
• Continue to toss every 30 seconds or so. After about a minute you should start to hear a bit of crackling, and the skins will start to turn a darker color
• Continue to toss the nuts in the pan; reducing the interval between tosses to 15 or so seconds
• Once the nuts are heated through, and the skins slightly darkened, pour them out on a plate to allow them to cool off
• After about 10 minutes they should be cooled down, have a more intense flavor and a crunchier texture
• Note that while the nuts are still warm they will likely be a bit softer; that is also a great time to add any seasoning if you’d like

Hope you find this cooking technique useful…these are great in salads, as garnish, or just as snacks.  Enjoy!!