Hazelnut Cream Candy

Hazelnut Cream Candy Recipe - A Delicious American Treat

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Hazelnut Cream Candy is a decadent and delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of roasted hazelnuts, creamy chocolate, and whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for those with a sweet tooth who enjoy a nutty and creamy dessert.

History

The origins of Hazelnut Cream Candy are not well-documented, but hazelnuts have been used in desserts for centuries. Hazelnuts are native to Europe and have been a popular ingredient in European confections for many years. This recipe likely originated in a home kitchen, where someone decided to combine hazelnuts, chocolate, and cream to create a delightful candy.

Ingredients

1 cup of roasted and chopped Oregon hazelnuts
1 pack of semi-sweet chocolate pieces
0.5 cup of whipped heavy cream
1 tbsp of sugar
0.25 tsp of rum flavoring

How to prepare

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or a small bowl placed over hot water.
2. If the chocolate becomes stiff, stir in 1 to 2 tbsp of vegetable shortening until smooth.
3. Whip the cream and add sugar and flavoring.
4. Fold in the slightly cooled chocolate.
5. Chill the mixture until it is firm enough to form into balls, then roll them in finely chopped hazelnuts.
6. Chill until firm.
7. Store in the refrigerator.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the candies for a sweet and salty flavor.
Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a different twist.
Mix in some chopped dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the hazelnuts before chopping them to bring out their rich flavor.

- Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.

- Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can become too stiff.

- Chill the mixture thoroughly before forming it into balls to make the process easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hazelnut Cream Candy as a sweet ending to a meal or as a special treat for a holiday gathering. Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delicious combination.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor.

- Melting the chocolate in a double boiler ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

- Folding the chocolate into the whipped cream gently helps maintain the airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almonds or walnuts instead of hazelnuts.

- Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to whipped cream.

- Maple syrup or honey can be used instead of sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Hazelnut Cream Candy can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply roll the mixture into balls and chill until firm before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Hazelnut Cream Candy on a decorative platter or in mini cupcake liners for a beautiful presentation. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hazelnut Cream Candy with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of espresso for a delightful combination. Fresh berries or a fruit compote can also complement the flavors of the candy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Hazelnut Cream Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow the candies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Candy contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Candy contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Candy contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Candy contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamin E, copper, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains hazelnuts and dairy, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hazelnut Cream Candy is a rich and indulgent treat that is high in fat and calories. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Hazelnut Cream Candy is a luxurious and indulgent treat that combines the flavors of roasted hazelnuts, creamy chocolate, and whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal. Enjoy the rich and nutty flavors of this delightful candy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Margaret was known for her delicious homemade candies, and she had been raving about a new recipe she had recently discovered. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and catching up on old times, Margaret suddenly jumped up with excitement.

"I almost forgot!" she exclaimed. "I have to show you this amazing recipe I found for Hazelnut Cream Candy. You won't believe how simple and delicious it is!"

Margaret rummaged through her collection of handwritten recipe cards and pulled out a weathered piece of paper. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watered in anticipation. The combination of rich hazelnuts, creamy filling, and sweet chocolate coating sounded like a dream come true.

"I learned this recipe from a dear friend of mine many years ago," Margaret explained. "She was a master in the kitchen and always had the most amazing treats to share. I've added my own little twist to it over the years, and it has become a family favorite."

I watched intently as Margaret demonstrated each step of the recipe, from toasting the hazelnuts to mixing the creamy filling to dipping the candies in melted chocolate. The kitchen was filled with the heavenly aroma of roasted nuts and sweet chocolate, and I knew I had to try making these candies at home.

After a few hours of chatting and cooking, Margaret and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The Hazelnut Cream Candies were even better than I had imagined – rich, creamy, and utterly decadent. I couldn't believe how easy they were to make, thanks to Margaret's clear instructions and expert guidance.

I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing her recipe with me and promised to pass it on to future generations. Little did I know at the time just how much this recipe would come to mean to me and my family.

Over the years, I have made Hazelnut Cream Candies countless times, always thinking of Margaret and the wonderful day we spent together in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and anyone who has a sweet tooth and a love for homemade treats. Each time I make these candies, I am transported back to that summer day by the lake, surrounded by good company and even better food.

As I grew older and had grandchildren of my own, I made sure to teach them how to make Hazelnut Cream Candies. They loved helping me in the kitchen, cracking nuts, stirring filling, and dipping candies in chocolate. It became a cherished tradition for us to make these candies together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

One day, my oldest grandchild asked me where I had learned to make Hazelnut Cream Candies. I smiled as I thought back to Margaret and the day she had shared her recipe with me.

"I learned this recipe from a dear friend many years ago," I began. "She was a master in the kitchen and always had the most amazing treats to share. I added my own twist to it over the years, and now it's a family favorite."

My grandchild's eyes widened with wonder as I passed down the recipe card to them, continuing the tradition of making Hazelnut Cream Candies for generations to come. I know that Margaret would be pleased to see her recipe being shared and enjoyed by so many others, just as she had intended.

And so, the story of how I learned to make Hazelnut Cream Candies is one that will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a tale of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. I am forever grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this delightful recipe, and I will continue to pass it on for years to come.