Almonds, like other nuts, can add protein to the daily diet. They make an easy-to-pack snack that does not require refrigeration, and are a favorite companion to yogurts and smoothies.

According to the Almond Board of California, the versatile nut also can be used in the following ways:

• Almond butter spread on an English muffin or toast. Many supermarkets stock almond butter next to the jams and jellies.
• Almond milk used in breakfast smoothies or on cereal. Almond milk is often stocked at the supermarket next to the soy milk.
• Slivered almonds sprinkled in a lunchtime salad as nutritious “croutons.”
• Almond butter added to a sandwich of toasted bread and fresh vegetables such as cucumber, arugula, watercress and sprouts.
• Whole almonds roasted with herbs and salt for an afternoon snack. Or, whole blanched almonds roasted with spices such as curry powder, cumin, cinnamon or cardamom for some kick.
• Ground almonds sprinkled on macaroni and cheese and other casseroles before baking, instead of bread crumbs….
• Roasted almonds ground with herbs and salt and sprinkled on fish, poultry or pork for a flavorful, nutritious “breading.”