Toasting Nuts
Toasting nuts brings out their flavor and, in the case of nuts such as hazelnuts, facilitates removal of the skins.
To toast almonds, pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts, preheat the oven to 350° F. Spread the shelled nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant – usually about 10 minutes. Toast hazelnuts until the skins begin to peel away. Let the nuts cool completely before chopping.
To skin hazelnuts, wrap the still warm toasted nuts in a clean kitchen towel and let stand for about 10 minutes. Using the towel, rub off as much of the skins as possible (all of the skin may not come off).
