Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
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A Fascination for Chocolate Hazelnut
To say I have had a fascination with Nutella is quite an understatement. What is not to love? Chocolate? Check. Hazelnuts? Check. This creamy chocolate spread with hazelnuts is famosissima all around the world.
Tutti a Tavola
When bambini gather around the breakfast table in Italy, you can be nearly certain that some form of Nutella is there. Perhaps on toast or inside a simple cornetto (croissant). If it isn’t enjoyed at breakfast, it’s often enjoyed with an afternoon snack: paired with fruit, on a piece of bread, or even on top of gelato.
When in Rome
When I was living in Rome, I discovered another brand of this famous spread: Nocciolata. I thought, “Okay I loved this before, but now I am in cielo!” This particular brand of chocolate hazelnut spread has much more of an intense flavor compared to any of the other brands I have tried. You can really taste the hazelnuts. Trust me. It’s soooo good. There’s just one problem. I don’t live in Rome anymore.
Back in the States
After moving back to the States, it’s been a challenge for me to buy Nocciolata. The challenge hasn’t been finding the product. You can find it on Amazon, at World Market, and other boutique grocery stores. The challenge has been on my budget. Sometimes I do splurge. But the good news is that you can easily make your own homemade version of this classic, Italian spread. Believe it or not, it is super easy to make and it’s a lot easier on the budget. Here are a few thoughts about it and my recipe below.
Why You Should Make Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Number One
The first reason you should make homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is because you know what’s going in it. As with all good Italian food, the ingredients matter. Many brands you can purchase at the supermarket have ingredients that aren’t the best for your health: things like palm oil, vegetable oil, and natural flavors. When you make your own homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, you can be sure that each ingredient is of quality and real food that is good for you. The texture is not quite as creamy as the ones you can purchase. But, I think it is a good trade off for knowing you aren’t consuming the extra additives.
Number Two
The second reason you should be making your own spread is because it’s less expensive for the quality of spread that you can make. The costs are so minimal when you follow this recipe. This recipe makes two, small jars worth and should cost you less than five dollars. You can use all organic ingredients to keep it organic as well.
How Long Will Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Last?
Because you aren’t adding in any additives, the shelf life isn’t for eternity. But do we really want our food to have that long of a shelf life? Is that considered real food anymore? However, each jar will last several weeks as long as it’s stored in the refrigerator (due to the milk and butter). I typically take mine out of the fridge when I start my coffee and begin preparing breakfast in the mornings. When I spread it on top of warm toast, it melts slightly and isn’t difficult to spread.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Ingredients
80 g (2.8 oz) toasted hazelnuts, without skins
60 g (2.12 oz) brown sugar
40 g (1.41 oz) white sugar
100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate
100 ml (3.38 oz) milk
80 g (2.8 oz) unsalted butter
Instructions
Toast the Hazelnuts
Place the hazelnuts on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and toast for about 7 minutes in a warm oven.
Mix the Hazelnuts and Sugars
Place both sugars and the toasted hazelnuts into a mixer or food processor and mix until it’s a fine powder consistency. You will need to stop the mixer every now and again and use a spatula to bring the mixture down to the blade.
Melt the Butter, Milk, and Chocolate
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter along with the chocolate while stirring and add the milk until the consistency is creamy and smooth. It will get a little “shiny.”
Add The Hazelnut Mixture
Add the powdered mixture of sugar and hazelnuts and cook for about 7 more minutes until the mixture reaches a slight boil and then turn off the heat.
Pour the Mixture Into Jars
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, you can pour the mixture into sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for several weeks (if they aren’t eaten before then).
How to Enjoy Your Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
You can enjoy this homemade spread on top of toast along with a cappuccino for a simple, Italian breakfast. You can also use the spread to make your favorite chocolate hazelnut treats. You could easily use it in place of the pistachio spread I use to make brownies and they would turn out delicious!
Buon Appetito!
xx Sommer
Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Ingredients
- 80 g toasted hazelnuts, without skins
- 60 g brown sugar
- 40 g white sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml milk
- 80 g unsalted butter
Instructions
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Place the hazelnuts on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and toast for about 7 minutes in a warm oven.
- Mix the Hazelnuts and Sugars: Place both sugars and the toasted hazelnuts into a mixer or food processor and mix until it’s a fine powder consistency. You will need to stop the mixer every now and again and use a spatula to bring the mixture down to the blade.
- Melt the Butter, Milk, and Chocolate: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter along with the chocolate while stirring and add the milk until the consistency is creamy and smooth. It will get a little “shiny.”
- Add The Hazelnut Mixture: Add the powdered mixture of sugar and hazelnuts and cook for about 7 more minutes until the mixture reaches a slight boil and then turn off the heat.
- Pour the Mixture Into Jars: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, you can pour the mixture into sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
393Fat
28 gSat. Fat
9 gCarbs
23 gFiber
9 gNet carbs
14 gSugar
13 gProtein
17 gSodium
708 mgCholesterol
34 mg*all nutritional information is an estimate.