(BPT) - Whether you’re roasting them over an open fire or cooking them into your holiday favorites, nuts can be used to enhance almost any recipe. You’d be hard-pressed to find an ingredient with more versatility, as nuts can be used to create a flavor accent or to provide some extra crunch and texture while keeping dishes fresh and light. Whether you’re using almonds, pecans or roasted peanuts, the possibilities are limitless.

For celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli, regular judge on Food Network’s Chopped and executive chef at The Darby and Butter in New York, the holiday entertaining season provides a great opportunity to share some of her favorite recipes.

“I’m a chef, but I’m also a mom and I want time to spend with my family during the holidays,” says Guarnaschelli. “Nuts are one of those special ingredients that give a dish an extra special touch, but still allow me to keep it simple.”