The leaves and stems are peppery, and may be added to salads or sandwiches. Whole flowers may be used as a garnish, and seeds and buds can be pickled like capers. Newburg - A rich dish of cooked lobster, shrimp, or other shellfish in a sauce made of cream, butter, egg yolks, sherry, and seasonings. The dish is often served over toast points. Nopales - Fleshy leaves of the prickly pear, or nopal cactus.
Nopales have a tart, green bean-like flavor.
The thorns are shaved off before using, then they are usually simmered until tender then used in salads, scrambled eggs, and other dishes. Boiled Nopales Nougat - A chewy or hard confection made with honey or sugar, nuts, and sometimes chopped dried or candied fruit. White nougat is made with beaten egg white. An aluminum pan is reactive, while stainless steel, glass, and enamel are not. Nutmeg - An aromatic spice with a sweet and spicy flavor.