Hazelnut and Chocolate Spread

I can provide you with a recipe to create a delicious homemade hazelnut and chocolate spread. Here is a simple version you can try.

Ingredients

• 200 g of toasted and peeled hazelnuts
• 150 g of powdered sugar
• 50 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 100 g of dark chocolate (70-75% cocoa)
• 2-3 tablespoons of hazelnut oil or neutral seed oil
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Preparation

1. If hazelnuts are not already toasted and peeled, toast them in the oven at 150 °C for about 10-15 minutes or until the skins easily come off. Let cool and then remove most of the skins by rubbing them between your hands or in a dish towel.

2. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, taking care not to overheat it. Let it cool slightly.

3. Place the hazelnuts in a food processor and grind until they start to release their oils and turn into a butter. This process may take several minutes. Every so often, stop the processor and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is ground evenly.

4. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, oil, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.

5. If the cream is too thick, you can add a little more oil to reach the desired consistency.

6. Transfer the cream to a clean jar and let it rest at room temperature for several hours before consuming. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Trivia

This hazelnut and chocolate spread is a delicious homemade alternative to the famous Nutella. By making this cream at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and the intensity of the sweetness and hazelnut flavor, as well as avoiding preservatives and additives often found in commercial products. You can experiment with different types of chocolate and adjust the amounts of sugar and cocoa to suit your personal taste.