Toast Almonds for Perfect Salad Topping

[sklay723]

Can anyone tell me the "best" way to toast almonds that will show off an extra product? I'm walking myself through a show recipe for tomorrow (nothing like waiting til the night before) and it calls for toasted almonds to sprinkle over the top of the salad. I've done them using the executive saute pan (from the kit) on the stove top, but I thought I remember someone saying you could put them in a mini-baker in the oven or something...that could show off the stoneware. It's such a small detail, but since I'm doing a salad show I don't have any cookware or stoneware to show off...any tips would be helpful!

 

[MORFIA]

use the microwave in any small stone--about 1 minute--

 

[stefani2]

I was told to put them in a prep bowl and use the microwave - stirring every 30 seconds for 5-7 minutes. So unless there is a trick to it - I can NEVER get it to work for me - they always burn! (but I am NOT a good cook!) :grumpy:

 

[floccies]

20 seconds, stir, 20 seconds, stir

Do this until the nuts have a fragrant aroma, mild browning

Don't over do it. I think it only takes me 3 or 4 times with sliced almonds. Other nuts may have different times. But if you stick with 20 second intervals and stir you should be able to monitor things well. (One 60 second run without stirring is not the same as 3 20 second intervals with stirring. I tried it once -- they burned.)

 

[c00p]

I prefer to do them on the stove in my small ss saute pan - executive would work too I suppose. But introducing cookware at a show is always a GREAT thing to do - even if the recipe doesn't call for it. I used to be so good at this, but I have to admit that I don't do it now as much as I should. Anyway, toast the nuts on a low heat and I just stir with a scraper until you see them get brown. Just don't burn them!! They smell fantastic when they are ready, so you'll know!