You’ve got a bowl of nuts to serve your guests. Frankly, you know you could do better. Nuts are great, but serving them just as they are can be a tad boring. Here are some ways to jazz up that bowl of nuts.

Barbecued Nuts. In a hot pan, mix together Worcestershire and catsup, then throw in the nuts until they’re coated. Spread them out on a baking dish and toast for about 15 minutes. Season with salt to flavor.
Drunken Nuts. Stir together whiskey, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Add nuts and stir till coated. Let stand, then drain nuts. Transfer to …read more

We all know that almonds taste good and many studies show that they have heart-healthy benefits. A new study now shows that almonds may combat obesity as well. Just by chewing them, a study presented this week at the European Congress of Obesity in Amsterdam shows, almonds make one feel full and less likely to overeat.

In addition, the study revealed that those who chewed two ounces of almonds longer, around 25 or 40 times before swallowing, absorbed significantly more good, unsaturated fat, than those who chewed the almonds only 10 times before swallowing.
Almonds are also a good source …read more

I was poking around the Food Network site this morning and saw that they now have a section just for snacking!
We’ve made Giada’s cheese popcorn before, with Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses, and loved it. I think popcorn made in a pan on the stove always tastes the best but it works well with a popcorn maker too. (I’ve also got one of those Whirly popcorn makers that helps a lot because you don’t have to lift and shake a heavy pan.)
Their section on healthy snacking is great for the upcoming New Year — though I don’t make specific resolutions …read more