Toasting nuts makes them fragrant and adds color. Most cooks do it in a skillet or the oven. A microwave can heat them up, but don't do much for the color or flavor. The secret is to add a little oil ...

• Roasting nuts in the oven is the most consistent method and yields the best flavor, but requires a careful eye. Be sure to evenly chop your nuts and don’t include the “dust,” which can burn quickly.

Garten’s recipe for chipotle and rosemary roasted nuts is from her How Easy Is That? cookbook and, as promised, they’re super easy to make. “When I have a little extra time before a party, I’ll whip ...