They can be used in place of pecans or walnuts. They are eaten as a snack or are added to sweets like candies or cookies. They grow on the ground rather than on trees and are, in fact, a legume . However, they are closer to nuts than legumes in nutrient content. Peanuts are widely used throughout the world in soups and sauces, mixed into grains or are chopped and added to cookies and other baked products.
Spanish peanuts are small and round with a mild flavor.
Valencia peanuts are medium sized with a rich flavor. A slightly sweet nut with a tender texture, pecans are used extensively in desserts and candies or in savory dishes such as rice. They can be used interchangeably with walnuts in recipes. Most are now grown in the Mediterranean region. In Southwest cooking, they are added to breads and stews.