The 12 Nut Allergies of Christmas

Along with sentimentality and booze sugar cookies, nuts are among the most popular components of any holiday spread. Whether baked, candied or dumped out in a bowl for communal gorging, they're essential to all kinds of awesome seasonal recipes. That's why I feel bad for friends and loved ones with tree nut allergies who can't partake in all the deliciousness.

To help avoid an unfortunate EpiPen incident at this year's holiday soiree, here's a rundown of 12 nuts commonly associated with tree nut allergies, plus recipes that allow you to either embrace or bypass them. (Disclaimer: Our lawyers asked us to remind you that you should always check labels and share ingredient info with everyone at your table.)

ALMONDS
It’s first in my nut-loving heart, and on this alphabetized list. Amazing in milk chocolate treats, marzipan and so much more.
With 'em: Almond-Cherry Chocolate Bark
Without 'em: Nut-Free Macarons

BRAZIL NUTS
Big, tasty and useful as a cookie enhancement or in savory veggie dishes and pesto. Caveat: They don’t last as long as other nuts.
With 'em: Kriss Kringle Cookies
Without 'em: Cherry Ginger Thumbprint Cookies 

CASHEWS
Part of what makes them so good is the relatively high fat content — both “good” and “bad” fat.
With 'em: Pumpkin Custard
Without 'em: Baked Egg Nog Custard

CHESTNUTS
Famous for, you know, “roasting on an open fire,” that sort of thing. 
With 'em: Brussels Sprouts and Chestnuts in Brown Butter
Without 'em: Sweet & Salty Roasted Chickpeas 

FILBERTS
For practical purposes, it's just another name for hazelnuts. No matter what you call 'em, they're a fantastic companion to chocolate. 
With 'em: Viennese Crescent Holiday Cookies
Without 'em: Easy Shortbread Cookies 

HAZELNUTS
I repeat: great with chocolate. Also fun to work into salads with sweeter fruits.
With 'em: Hazelnut Plum Crumb Tart
Without 'em: Lemon Tart 

HICKORY NUTS
Literally a very tough nut to crack, but with the right tool (pro tip: a nutcracker works better than a hammer), you'll find a tasty reward inside.
With 'em: Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Maple Hickory Nuts
Without 'em: Maple Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad

MACADAMIA NUTS
The fat-to-protein ratio in these little guys isn't so favorable from a dietary standpoint, but they're undeniably delicious.
With 'em: Pumpkin White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Cookies
Without 'em: Pumpkin Gingersnap Cookies

PECANS
Whether you pronounce it "pe-CAN" or "pe-CON," the candied version is a decadent holiday mainstay.
With 'em: Pecan Pie
Without 'em: Crack Pie

PINE NUTS
Their tiny size belies all kinds of nutty superpowers. Total MVP on sundaes or in pesto.
With 'em: Linguine with Pea Pesto
Without 'em: Linguine with Clam Sauce

PISTACHIOS
Getting at the meats of these guys is a lot easier than cracking a hickory nut. Bonus: You can use the shells for compost or garden mulch. 
With 'em: Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Without 'em: Pumpkin Biscotti

WALNUTS
For a fairly ordinary nut, these things are pretty loaded with nutrients. Mind you, that’s not license to binge on the desserts.
With 'em: Walnut Maple Pie
Without 'em: Maple Buttermilk Pie

For more ideas, articles about food, grocery shopping and more, find us at http://shopperk.tumblr.com/