Aw, Nuts!

This public service announcement brought to you by a food that is high in protein and an all around good snack, possibly even a meal depending on how veracious your appetite. Weight Watchers recommends them as do many other food plans. And yes, if you are a vegetarian it is completely OK!

Tips on perusing nuts

• Per my unofficial Twitter survey (on twitter I am @menacingpickle) it seems Salt & Pepper Nuts are the way to go.

• I was told that Macadamias are a "party in your mouth" too. The user experience was submitted by someone who was admittedly new to nuts. Having just introduced them into her diet about two weeks ago, she may have that new-nut feeling.

• As long as you go with Salt & Pepper nuts in nice packaging they should be flavorful.

• The salt helps offset the texture of the nut nicely.

• A good Salt & Pepper nut has a ripe flavor and is attractive to look at.
  

• Look for mature packaging as a sign of a well cared for Nut.
• Try and stay away from dancing cartoon characters in the presentation if what you want is sophistication.
  

• If it is well packaged it is more than likely not bruised or damaged in some way.

• You can find nicely packaged nuts at many high end establishments.

• I would stay away from nuts at gas stations and convenience stores. You never know how long they may have been sitting around, they could have a strange flavor and possibly even an odor to them.

• Also keep in mind that nuts can be an acquired taste. They can drastically change texture the more you work with them, so if you find you don't like them at first you can try them a number of ways.

• Try handling your nuts to achieve different textures from course to smooth. The more you handle them the smoother the texture.

• You can also try mixing your nuts. Alternate between exotic ones and more run of the mill varieties.
  

• Try acquiring nuts from different locations for a more extensive variety. Ethnic establishments are a great way to experiment with new nuts of varying types.