Pan-Fried

1. Put just enough cooking oil or unsalted butter into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet as you need to lightly coat the bottom. Turn the burner up to moderately high heat until the oil just develops a watery consistency or the butter fully melts.

2. Reduce the burner to medium-low heat. Pour the sliced or slivered almonds in the pan and spread them in a single layer with a spatula or cooking spoon.

3. Add desired flavoring agents into the skillet if desired. A little salt and pepper work for a basic preparation, or sprinkle in some chili pepper powder for a spicy kick. Complete the flavor profile with additions such as coriander or cumin. Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg also complement a variety of desserts, vegetables, fish, poultry and other dishes.

4. Stir and toss the almond pieces continuously. Pan-fry them until they develop an attractive golden color, which should take about 5 minutes.

5. Transfer the toasted almond pieces onto paper towels to drain. Enjoy them straight as a snack or add them to the dish you're preparing.

Oven-Toasted

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Give it at least 10 minutes to fully warm up.

2. Spread the almond slices in a layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with cooking oil or melted unsalted butter.

3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili pepper or other desired seasonings over the almond slices or slivers. Toss them around on the tray to coat them.

4. Put the tray in the center of the oven. Toast the nuts for 3 minutes, then toss them with a spatula or cooking spoon. Return them to the oven.

5. Check the almond pieces after about another 3 minutes. Toss them and see if they've developed a rich golden color and nutty aroma. Heat them for a few more minutes as needed, but monitor them closely as they can quickly go from nicely toasted to burned.