Wheat germ is a food that's easy to overlook. The name leaves something to be desired, and it has a bit of a reputation for being a boring, tasteless health food. In reality, it's nutty, flavorful and rich in protein, potassium and vitamin E. Classically, it's eaten like a warm cereal, but there are many ways to enjoy this nutrient powerhouse. Toasting it brings out its nutty flavor, which makes it a nutrition-boosting addition to salads, soups, yogurt, smoothies and cereals. Once stirred into foods such as ice cream, cookies, muffins and pudding, wheat germ hides out, providing a sneaky way to get healthy food into your kids. Toasting takes only a few minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spread 1/4 to 1/2 cup of wheat germ evenly over the bottom of a cookie sheet or casserole dish. Shake the pan back and forth to help the wheat germ spread evenly in a thin layer.

Bake for three to five minutes, watching for the wheat germ to just start to darken. Shake the pan and cook for an additional two minutes to ensure even toasting.

Use a non-stick skillet or add a teaspoon of your favorite cooking oil to a skillet without non-stick coating.

Place the pan over high heat until it gets hot or you see the oil start to smoke, then reduce heat to medium.

Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of wheat germ to the pan.

Stir the wheat germ or shake the skillet back and forth to ensure that the wheat germ toasts evenly.

Cook until the wheat germ releases a nutty smell and darkens in color -- usually about five minutes.