1.   Create endless variations by substituting combinations of dried cranberries or cherries, dried pears, whole almonds or hazelnuts.

2.   Early in the season I go to a nut specialty store and stock up on bags of whole almonds and pecans.

3.   Garnish with whole almonds or pecan halves.

4.   He also roasts whole almonds and coats them in several spices, and pits picholine olives.