Are hazelnuts the new peanuts?

Many bakers have a limited need for hazelnuts. Pecans, walnuts, almonds -- these fit standard recipe requirements quite nicely. But sometimes, during the holidays especially, only a hazelnut will do.

So some concern is understandable now that the salmonella-prompted hazelnut recalls seem to be piling up. Whole Foods has recalled bulk nuts sold in California and other Western stores. And that big name in impossible-to-regift gifts, Harry & David's, has joined the fray as well (though, granted, in a very small way). It's only natural for a nut-consuming public to fear a dearth of hazelnut products, a la the peanut product recalls of earlier this year.

Could panforte with candied quince be threatened? What about Tortona chocolate cookies? Read more here, at our health blog:

Photo: Los Angeles Times