Spread THE LOVE
A chocolaty kiss of bliss for your valentine
If you’ve had it once, you’re probably addicted. If you haven’t had it, you’re really missing out.
I am talking about Nutella, that creamy hazelnut cocoa-flavored spread in a jar. Nutella makes a tasty partner in a multitude of recipes, but is just as good straight-up by the spoonful directly from the jar.
My relationship with Nutella began more than 35 years ago. I was on one of those group European “learning experiences” while a junior in college. Along with a few fellow Marquette University pals, I joined a bus group of other collegians from around the United States, visiting 12 cities and seven countries. All in three weeks.
It was in France where the first jar of Nutella was opened. Our entire busload was immediately hooked on its creamy chocolate nutty goodness.
Nutella started in Italy in 1946. Over the decades its popularity became so intense that in 2007 Italian-American food blogger Sara Rosso decided to dedicate an entire day to pay homage to it: World Nutella Day.
In 2015, she transferred World Nutella Day to the Ferrero Co., which urges Nutella fans on Feb. 5 to post food photos, recipes made with Nutella and their personal Nutella stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A perfect sweet for your sweet
With Valentine’s Day and World Nutella Day just around the bend, now is the perfect time to grab a jar and experiment.
First up, dessert. Chocolate and strawberries are already a near-perfect romantic pairing. Add a tablespoon or two of Nutella — all the better.
Carefully cut a small cylindrical hole from the berry tops and stuff them with Nutella. Dip the stuffed berries in melted bittersweet chocolate and then roll in coarsely chopped hazelnuts.
There it is, a gorgeous, delicious Valentine’s Day treat, ready for nibbling. Desserts made with Nutella typically run decadent. So it is with creamy bittersweet chocolate mocha Nutella mousse. Pipe into small shooter glasses and top with a raspberry or strawberry.
Nutella in the morning
True Nutella lovers don’t limit themselves to after-dinner sweets. What better way to start your day than with a little Nutella?
Make an overnight-soaked muesli mixture with Nutella, whole oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and milk or a plant-based beverage. The creaminess of cashew milk works especially well with this mixture.
Serve the muesli cold directly from its overnight stay in the fridge, or give it a brief visit to the microwave to add some warmth. Top with your favorite granola, fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes and, if you must, one more dollop of Nutella.
Want to be a bit more creative? Make a homemade riff on Pop-Tarts using Nutella as the filling.
The pastry crust is easily prepared in the food processor. Make a 2
1⁄2-by-5-inch template out of parchment paper. Roll out the pastry and cut into rectangles using the template.
Spread half the pastry pieces with Nutella, top with additional pastry and crimp the edges. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar, and your homemade breakfast pastry is ready for the oven. After baking, drizzle with melted chocolate.
Nutella nightcap
Might as well enjoy Nutella all the way through bedtime. Make a richly-flavored coffee like French roast, add a splash of hazelnut liqueur and top with whipped cream flavored with Nutella.
If you want to dream about your Nutella experience, here’s my recommendation: Make it decaf.