Sprinkle chopped tree nuts on yogurt, hot or cold cereal, or in cream cheese spreads for bagels. Add chopped macadamias or pistachios to your favorite bread, pancake, waffle or muffin recipe.

Tree nuts are perfect as a tasty snack between meals, and research has shown that they may keep you full longer. For better portion control, divide your favorite tree nuts into 1-ounce portions and store them in individual bags. This way, you can simply grab a bag of nuts on your way out the door, or keep several bags on hand in the car or in your desk, for easy snacking. When snacking at home, mix toasted tree nuts with popcorn or trail mix to boost the nutrition content.

Pine nuts have always been the secret ingredient to a tasty pesto, but other tree nuts can also add protein and flavor. Sprinkled on top or mixed in with a sauce, nuts give a special fl air to any pasta dish. Fettuccini with toasted walnuts is always a hit.

Sprinkle chopped nuts on a bowl of soup for added flavor and texture. For example, garnish potato soup with minced pecans or a hearty split pea with hazelnuts.

Restaurants often serve creative salads with various tree nuts and fruit. Do the same at home by adding whole, sliced or chopped tree nuts to your favorite salad recipes. For instance, toss pecans and/or walnuts with blue cheese or Gorgonzola to add zip to a spinach salad; or garnish chicken salad with slivered almonds.

Top softened Brie or Camembert cheese with chopped pistachios for a simple, elegant treat. Add your favorite tree nuts to any cheese and cracker platter, or simply serve them straight up in a festive bowl!

Toss finely diced, toasted almonds into a ginger shrimp saut? or add toasted cashews to Chinese vegetable stir-fry dishes. Sprinkle chopped mixed tree nuts on your favorite casseroles.

Tree nuts are wonderful in baked goods such as cookies, cakes and brownies, but you can also sprinkle them on top of ice cream, frozen yogurt and parfaits. Toss chopped macadamias and other tree nuts with fresh fruit for a light and tasty dessert.