Make "nut crumbs" by coarsely grinding almonds in a food processor. Use them as a wholesome gratin topping for casseroles, or sprinkle on pasta and grain dishes.

Bursting with flavor, savory seasoned almonds are the perfect topping for your favorite main dish or side. In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, toss whole natural or slivered almonds in a small amount of vegetable oil until golden. Add your choice of dried herbs and then sprinkle over salads, vegetables, or pasta.

Mix roasted, slivered, or sliced almonds into grain-based dishes, such as Middle Eastern classic tabbouleh or other bulgur wheat salads to add flavor, nutrition, and crunch. Or pair them with quinoa, hailed as the "super grain of the future.”

The mild flavor of almonds is the perfect complement to vibrant Asian flavors. Try tossing finely diced roasted almonds into a ginger-shrimp sauté or adding roasted whole natural almonds to Chinese vegetable stir-fry dishes.

Almond butter is a nutritious and hearty topping for bagels or muffins and it's a snap to make at home. Just chop whole natural almonds in a food processor and blend with a little vegetable oil and salt and until almost smooth.

The buttery flavor and crunchy texture of almonds make them a perfect topper for freshly baked, low-fat scones and breads. Before baking scones, brush them with milk or egg whites and top with slivered or chopped almonds. And for extra special quick breads sprinkle chopped almonds on them before baking, or knead roasted, chopped, or slivered almonds into yeast bread dough.

To give hot cereal just a little more panache, mix in dried cranberries or cherries, plus a generous amount of chopped, roasted almonds just before serving. Serve with skim milk and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Satisfy the palate while watching the waistline by steaming your favorite fresh fish and vegetables, and sprinkling them with roasted, sliced almonds. Serve with wedges of lemon or lime.

Enhance a plain-roasted chicken by stuffing it with diced apples, onions, garlic, herbs, and coarsely chopped, roasted almonds.

To make surprisingly delicious and crunchy “croutons,” heat oven to 350°F. Then toss 2/3 cup slivered almonds with 2 teaspoons olive oil in a shallow baking pan and arrange them in a single layer. Next, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt before baking 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown, tossing once. Cool and toss the “croutons” with green salads just before serving, or sprinkle on steamed vegetables.
 

On the indulgent side…

Almonds can add that certain extra something to decadent sweets and treats.

Now cheesecake can be dressed for success. Simply sprinkle roasted, slivered, or chopped almonds over the top of the cake to cover and press down lightly.

Top off a sundae with a generous amount of roasted, slivered almonds.

Visual appeal is important in cooking. Make a practical parfait look sinful by layering frozen yogurt, puréed frozen berries, and roasted sliced almonds in an elegant stemmed glass. You can also make individual trifles by adding layers of cubed angel food cake. Garnish with sprigs of mint, sliced almonds, or whole berries.

Make your baking worthy of even more compliments by adding almonds to your cookies, cakes, or other treats.