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Chocolate and Hazelnut Roll for Snack Time

17/11/2023

The chocolate and hazelnut roll is a scrumptious dessert that brings to mind the flavors of Piedmontese tradition, particularly through the use of hazelnuts, a key ingredient of the region. Here’s how to prepare a delicious one.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized eggs
  • 100 g of granulated sugar
  • 60 g of all-purpose flour
  • 40 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 200 ml of whipping cream
  • 150 g of finely chopped hazelnuts
  • 100 g of dark chocolate
  • Powdered sugar as needed for decoration

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F) and line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper.

  2. Separate the yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks with half of the sugar until you get a light and frothy mixture.

  3. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt, gradually adding the remaining sugar until you obtain a glossy and stable meringue.

  4. Gently fold the whipped whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula and movements from bottom to top to avoid deflating the mixture.

  5. Sift the flour and cocoa powder and incorporate them into the mix with the same care.

  6. Pour the batter into the tray, leveling it with a spatula, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Meanwhile, whip the cream (which must be very cold) and finely chop the hazelnuts.

  8. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, allowing it to cool slightly.

  9. Once the cocoa sponge cake is cooked, turn it out onto a damp tea towel and remove the parchment paper. Roll the sponge cake with the towel and let it cool this way for at least 10 minutes.

  10. Carefully unroll the sponge cake, spread the whipped cream on it, distribute the melted chocolate and sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts.

  11. Roll the sponge cake up again with the help of the towel and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

  12. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and decoration.

Curiosity

In the Piedmont region, particularly in the areas of Alba and the Langhe, hazelnuts are the stars of many sweet preparations, including the famous gianduiotto, a praline made of dark chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts, which is shaped like an upside-down little boat. The roll you’ve prepared is inspired by the flavors of these delicacies. Enjoy your meal!