As you know, I love nuts of all kinds. My latest paramour? The native Sicilian almond called Pizzuta.

This rather flat-shaped almond is amazing. It has a rich, intense, almost creamy flavor. Think marzipan — but with a pleasant, toasty bitterness and none of the aching, cavity-inducing sweetness.

I discovered these almonds at Zanotto’s, 1970 Naglee Ave. in San Jose’s Rose Garden neighborhood. They’re $19.99 a pound. Look for them packed in small plastic tubs by the cheese case. The store doesn’t always have them in stock. But do keep an eye out for them. They’re a treat with cheese and a glass of sherry, or — heck — just all on their own.