aw, nuts...

nuts. i don't really think about them until i see them. then i suddenly want them. they are the perfect snack food, too. hand held. easily popped into your mouth. they come in so many different shapes, flavors, and sizes. they go well in salads, rice and pasta dishes, and desserts.

a recent favorite of mine is hot pepper and lemon roasted almonds from trader joe's. they've got a little bit of heat, a little bit of citrus, and whole lot of crunch. i find them slightly addictive.

the other bag i usually grab from trader joe's is the marcona almonds with rosemary and sea salt. dude, that rocks. i often pair a little dish of those with assorted olives, a wedge of parmesan or manchego, and selection of meats like prosciutto and bresaola. always a crowd pleaser.

but i always forget how much i like pistachios, cashews, and even brazil nuts until they are sitting right in front of me. i remember as a kid we'd have nuts around the house at christmastime. my dad would set out a big bowl of them with a nutcracker. it was fun making a big, fat, messy pile of discarded shells from walnuts, pecans, and sometimes hazelnuts.

and what's not to like about them, really? they fill you up. they're high in fiber. they regulate the good cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease. maybe i should keep my own dish of nuts around....