toasting nuts question

[JulieM]

When a recipe calls for lightly toasting chopped nuts in the oven before adding to a dish, do you think it's the same thing to toast them in a covered skillet on low? The oven on our boat is old and is a bit of a pain to "light" when I need it. No big deal if I'm really baking something, but it's too much trouble to toast a few nuts. What do you think?

[Deedy]

I would just put them in a skillet over a low flame, uncovered, and watch them for a while. It shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 minutes. When you can smell them toasing (a wonderful aroma), they are done. Be sure to remove them from the hot skillet as soon as they are done or they will continue to cook and might burn. Let them cool a little before adding to batters, etc.

[Deedy]

I would just put them in a skillet over a low flame, uncovered, and watch them for a while. It shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 minutes. When you can smell them toasting (a wonderful aroma), they are done. Be sure to remove them from the hot skillet as soon as they are done or they will continue to cook and might burn. Let them cool a little before adding to batters, etc.

[sugaree]

I often "toast" the nuts in a skillet instead of using the oven. (I don't think you need to cover it.) You just want to bring out the flavor of the nuts so any heat will do it.

[bethchef]

I also toast nuts in my little toaster oven and they turn out great. Just set a timer and make sure you don't forget about them. I've lost a fortune in nuts that way! :)

Beth

[JulieM]

Thanks everyone, I'll just toast them in the skillet from now on! They do smell so good when they're toasting.:)

[Kathy B]

I just read an article in the food section of our paper that said you can toast nuts in the microwave. Just put them on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes. That would keep you from heating up the kitchen at all!