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Toast
or Roast Nuts or Coconut |
Toasting or
roasting nuts or coconut, crisps them and brings out their flavor. The trick
is to watch the process carefully because they both burn easily. |
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 To
Toast Nuts: Before chopping,
some nuts are roasted to remove their bitter skins, called
blanching. After
chopping, they can be toasted to a
golden brown so they become crispy and have more flavor. Let toasted nuts
cool completely before using. Toasted nuts can be stored, covered, in a
cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
| A few tips
about hazelnuts: Whether
you roast or toast, make sure hazelnuts are taken from the oven when
they are start to take on a little bit of color, as they will darken
more as they cool. Also, when hazelnuts are added to hot melted
chocolate or
caramel, used in some
recipes, the heat will brown them further. |
IN THE OVEN:
Spread
unblanched or
blanched and
chopped nuts evenly in shallow pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree
F oven 5 - 7 minutes or until golden brown. Stir frequently and DO NOT leave
unchecked.
ON TOP OF THE STOVE:
Place unblanched
or blanched and
chopped nuts evenly in a dry skillet.
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring or shaking
the pan frequently to prevent burning.
Take from pan when the nuts begin to release their flavor and are browned,
about 3 - 4 minutes.
IN THE
MICROWAVE: Spread
nuts evenly on microwave-safe plate. Microwave
on high 1 minute; stir. Microwave on
HIGH, checking every 30 seconds, until nuts are fragrant and browned.
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To
Toast
Coconut
In the Oven:
Place the shredded coconut on a baking sheet.
Optionally toss with 1 or 2 tablespoons of confectioner's sugar if coconut
is unsweetened. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven.
Stir every 30 seconds, until the coconut
is dry and mostly toasted light brown with some white shreds, about 2 to 4
minutes.
In the
Microwave: Spread coconut evenly
on microwave-safe plate. Optionally toss
with 1 or 2 tablespoons of confectioner's sugar if coconut is
unsweetened. Microwave on high at 30 second intervals and toss until lightly
browned with some white shreds.. |
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