HEALTHY CORNER

WE’RE GOING NUTS!

We can’t contain our enthusiasm any longer! Nuts and seeds — raw, toasted, puréed or ground into flour — add flavor, nutrition and texture to just about anything we put them in. Even better, consistent evidence shows that all manner of nuts, including walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and cashews, promote healthy arteries and cholesterol levels when we consume them in moderation. Eating a small handful of nuts about five times a week is perfect.

We carry an abundant variety of nuts in our bulk department. Packaged nuts — in jars, cans or bags — are also readily available. After all, we think you can’t have enough nuts and seeds lying around for cooking and snacking!

TIPS FOR TOASTING

While nuts and seeds are certainly delicious eaten raw, toasting them brings out a tastier, richer flavor. To enhance their flavor or crisp them up, toast nuts on the stove or in the oven.

On the stove: Place a single layer of nuts in a heavy, ungreased skillet and toast for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat, shaking the pan and stirring the nuts until they’re golden brown and fragrant, then remove them from the pan immediately and let cool.

In the oven: Arrange the nuts in a single layer in a shallow baking pan and toast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring them occasionally.

STORING YOUR NUTS

(For Winter or Otherwise)