It's no secret that almonds have flavor appeal right up there with vanilla and chocolate. The sweet, buttery taste of almonds fits just about anywhere, but let's look more closely at some of its specific flavor affinities.

Breads: Bake up a hearty loaf of Bavarian whole grain bread with toasted almonds.

Fruits: Try an apricot-almond tart; almond-stuffed baked peaches; cherry almond ice cream; fruit salad with oranges and almonds; or a mesclun salad with blue cheese, apples and almonds.

Vegetables: Consider green beans with toasted almonds; zucchini with toasted almonds and pecorino; spinach with golden raisins and almonds; Almond Tapenade and Shaved Fennel Bruschetta; or Brussels sprouts with almonds.