How to serve unshelled nuts?

[Christina D]

I have inherited my grandparents' old nutcracker and pick set. My siblings and I have fond memories of making quite a mess with shells and nut pieces at Christmas when we were children. As an homage to my recently departed grandmother, I'd like to surprise them on Christmas Eve with our favorite retro snack.

My question is this...do you roast the nuts in the shell before serving? Is it worth it trying to season the shells? I have whole pecans, almonds and brazil nuts.

TIA!!

[luciaannek]

Yep, boil and roast chestnuts (cut an X in them before hand) to help shelling. Otherwise, go at it. I'd also put out some contrasts, like cheese, charcuterie, dried fruit, or ideally, fresh fruit. Sweet persimmons are lovely right now, or if you can get decent figs.

[BobB]

"do you roast the nuts in the shell before serving?"
Only if they're chestnuts.

"Is it worth it trying to season the shells?"
Nope. Just crack 'em and enjoy!

[Harters]

No roasting of nuts in this household. We intend them to be eaten raw.

As for serving? Tip them into a bowl, place nutcracker on top, provide small bowl of sultanas as a contrast, maybe some cheese as well - and let diners get on with enjoying.