Most people enjoy eating nuts as a snack or adding nature's protein to their candy or popcorn treats. Bakers and candy makers know that roasted cashews are an ideal addition to the chocolate confections that they create in the kitchen. Mixed into the marshmallow goodness of a popcorn ball, nuts and candy form a sticky delicious treat that many people enjoy during the holidays. One of the softer and more versatile nuts that can be found in the kitchen or eaten straight out of the can the cashew is a favorite of many individuals that are looking for a healthy alternative to eating chips or crackers as a snack. Whether added into baked treats or consumed as a standalone snack the enjoyment of a good nut is something that everyone can get behind. But cashews are not the only nut that chefs of all skill levels use in their confections.
Another baking friendly nut is the almond that can be used as a topping for desserts or as an ingredient in baking. Smoked almonds first gained popularity from the airlines as stewards passed out the small packages of nuts to their guests that were flying the friendly skies. As the smoked flavoring gained popularity in the air it has also become a favorite snack on the ground. Where honey roasting remains a coveted delicacy for some people that take to the sky the smoked almond has become more universal in its appearance as both a snack food on its own and nut that lends itself to baking.
Topping one of my all time favorite desserts the almond and chocolate combination or flavors that are found in a decadent chocolate cheesecake recipe that my wife makes on special occasions is a rare treat that I enjoy a couple of times a year. Layered with three different types of chocolate that rest on a graham cracker and crushed smoked almond crust the cheesecake has replaced the traditional birthday cake in my home and continues to provide the enjoyment of indulging in a very special dessert that only makes an appearance on Father's Day and my November birthday.
Buying up nuts that come around when someone from the local high school is selling them as part the food fundraisers that provide uniforms for the band or new cheerleading outfits or special trips that certain members of the class have earned, the addition of nuts to the kitchen means that it is time to break out the confections that add merriment and fun to holidays and other special occasions that demand the flavorful addition of roasted cashews and smoked almonds to a few of the treats that come around only a few times a year.