Homemade Nutella (Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread)

I think homemade Christmas presents are completely underrated.  They're thoughtful, and if you put enough time into them they can turn out super cute.  Homemade Nutella was the perfect gift for my friends and family this Christmas.  The outcome turned out delicious, and with nice packaging, pretty adorable too!

I got this recipe from Bon Appetit's December issue, and they weren't too upfront about how long it would take to get the hazelnuts ready.  So, I won't pull a fast one on you, removing the skins is the most time consuming part of this recipe.  If you can buy them already skinless please do that, if not here's how to do it.  Boil 3 cups of water.  Add around 4 tablespoons of baking soda and the hazelnuts. Simmer for 5 minutes then drain over cold water.  The water in the pan will be almost black from the skins. 

 Once you drain you will be able to rub the skin off easily. 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet.  Roast, until deep brown, around 15 minutes.  Let cool completely. 

In a food processor grind the cooked hazelnuts and sugar together until fairly smooth.  Should take around one minute.

Place chocolate in a double broiler over medium heat on the stove. Stir often until chocolate is melted and smooth.

I bought this chocolate for the first time and thought that it worked great.  It tasted better than your regular Hersey's. 

Once the chocolate is melted, remove from heat and add in butter.  Whisk until incorporated.

Whisk in cream and salt.

Add in the hazelnut paste and whisk.

I used 8oz mason jars that I picked up at World Market.  I made the recipe times 2, and had 8 containers.  Divide the mixture into the jars equally and let cool.  Then screw on lids and refrigerate.

The Nutella will thicken and become soft like peanut butter as it cools, and after you have it refrigerated for a few hours.  You can let it stand at room temperature for up to 4 days, but otherwise keep it chilled.  Goes great on toast, muffins, added to any baked goods.  

And it's perfect for a thoughtful gift for someone you love! 

Homemade Nutella (Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread)
Makes ~4 8oz jars
Adapted from Bon Appetit

2 cups hazelnuts, preferably skinned (10 oz)
1/2 cup sugar
1 lb semisweet chocolate chips or coarsely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cur into 1' pieces, at room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon salt

If hazelnuts have skin, remove.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  
Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet.  
Roast, until deep brown, around 15 minutes.  
Let cool completely. 
In a food processor grind the cooked hazelnuts and sugar together until fairly smooth.  
Place chocolate in a double broiler over medium heat on the stove. 
Stir often until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Remove from heat, add in butter and whisk until incorporated.
Whisk in cream and salt.
Add in the hazelnut paste and whisk.
Divide the mixture into the jars equally and let cool.  
Then screw on lids and refrigerate.
Let stand at room temperature for a couple hours if you want to soften.
Can stand at room temperature for up to 4 days, otherwise keep chilled.

Banana Muffins w/ Nutella

I have an idea for the perfect after Thanksgiving breakfast addition, and you should really take me up on it because these are delicious!  I've posted this banana bread recipe in the past, and this is just an update to it.  Please excuse my pictures, it was a month after I started this blog and I like to think I've learned a lot!  

You can make a loaf of bread or muffins, I made muffins.  Spray the tins well and divide batter into cups. 

Scoop 1 teaspoons of Nutella on top of the batter and mix around on top.  I used a knife that I sprayed with nonstick and just kind of cut through the Nutella so it formed a topping.  Bake at 300 degrees for around 35 minutes.

Voila!  This recipe is so amazing because no matter what you add it turns out tasty.  I added an extra banana this time for an extra kick of flavor and think I'll be doing that go forward!  

Better starting cooking and baking, Thanksgiving is tomorrow!!!

Banana Muffins w/ Nutella

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1 egg

3 ripe bananas, mashed

2 tablespoons milk

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

handful of chocolate chips

6 teaspoons Nutella

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. 

Spray whatever pan you are using with non-stick spray.

Start by mixing the sugar and butter together.

Continue with the rest of the ingredients, ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide batter into muffin tins.

Add 1 teaspoons of Nutella on top of the batter and swirl around with a knife or toothpick.

For muffins bake for around 33-35 minutes.