hazelnut Archives - Wood & Spoon

Nutella Coffee & The Most Popular Recipes of 2021!

Nutella Coffee by Wood and Spoon blog. This is a recipe from Her Daily Bread book. A rich, whipped cream topped coffee sweetened with rich dollops of chocolate hazelnut spread. To learn how to make this simple beverage, find the recipe on thewoodandspoon.com

Happy New Year, friends! It’s been a *hot* minute since we last chatted, and I’m dying to know: how was your holiday? Were you able to rest? Celebrate? Love someone in big ways? Our Christmas was pretty routine, with the exception of my book release, and I gotta tell you- mundane felt good. We did a lot less of the Christmassy stuff this year, opting instead for movies, bowls of popcorn, and lots of pajamas. I’m not sure that my kids will remember a childhood filled with trips to visit Santa, gingerbread houses, and extra decorations, but they’ll definitely remember Mom plopping down next to them in her bathrobe. This year, that kind of quiet was just what we needed.

In the past, I’ve drummed up a whole bunch of expectations for myself this time of year: personal goals, marriage goals, work goals, and more than a few body-centric lists of ways I could do better. My personality is the kind that thrives wherever bullet points and checkmarks are concerned, and I’ve rarely met a benchmark I didn’t mind running towards. But this year, I’m at a loss. To be honest, I feel like I have very little direction and even fewer goals I want to pursue, so even though my inner drive is telling me to GO, my brain keeps responding with a, “but… where?”

For some reason, this troubles me. Not because I’m discontent with my own life or what I’ve achieved or the things I have to offer as a woman, mother, or writer, but because, in a lot of ways, I’ve trained myself to be ever on the move. It feels good to check off those lists. I like claiming those achievements as my own. Why can’t I do and have it all?

-“Being quiet, willing to learn, ready to question and wonder and think in new ways- this is how we grow. “

For me, the stillness of not knowing is uncharted territory. And while it’s not the kind that feels comfy cozy, I do think it could be precisely what I need. We don’t have to have the maps or lists or plans figured out to move forward, and there’s lots to learn in the waiting, too. Being quiet, willing to learn, ready to question and wonder and think in new ways- this is how we grow. It’s not a stagnant or backtracking thing, and taking a step in a new direction doesn’t mean that ground has been lost. And certainly a lack of resolutions doesn’t mean a lack of resolve. So that’s me right now. Nothing terribly exciting, and certainly not the kind of commentary you’d expect to find on a blog post about Nutella coffee, but it’s where I am and I thought I’d let you know. 🙂

Nutella Coffee

So without further ado, here’s the first recipe of 2022- Nutella Coffee! This one is an offering from my book, and I love it for its ease and comfort. Here, strong coffee is made even more rich with the addition of chocolate hazelnut spread. A dollop (or two! or three!) of whipped cream rounds this out as the best little afternoon pick-me-up or dessert.

Also, not miss the top 10 recipes of 2021! Collectively, these recipes were viewed hundreds of thousands of times, and I gotta say- you all pick well! Out of these, my favorites are the cookies and cream rolls, the bourbon bundt cake, and the banana Nutella muffins, but I’ll let you decide! Give them a peep and let me know what you think! Happy Wednesday, Happy New Year, and Happy Baking, y’all!

Nutella Coffee

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This Nutella coffee is strong coffee made extra rich with the addition of Nutella and fresh whipped cream!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 5
Total Time: 5
Yield: 1-2 servings
Category: Beverages

Ingredients

12 ounces strong brewed coffee
3 tablespoons chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
Fresh whipped cream

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Instructions

In a large measuring liquid cup or oversized mug, use a milk frother or small whisk to stir the Nutella into the coffee until all the chocolate has melted and combined smoothly. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy!

Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnuts

4 Comments / Breakfast

I’m making a new rule. From here on out, Monday’s and doughnuts go together like Lucy and Ethel. No longer will we suffer at the hand of an abruptly short weekend or an agonizing case of the Monday’s. We deserve chocolate hazelnut doughnuts to help us make it through, and I’m here to bring them.

This past week Brett and I took the kids to the fair. It was approximately 347 degrees outside, but we couldn’t resist the allure of fried funnel cakes on a similarly hot and sticky day. With a bag full of cash (and hand sanitizer), we embraced the sweat and watched the kids have the time of their lives.

I’ve decided that kids visiting the fair require no normal sustenance. While mom and dad are dehydrated and weak from lack of nourishment, the kids are soaring high on overstimulation. I barely got through the door before I was ready to buy one of those paper cups full of salty french fries, but the kids had zero interest. Within minutes, George had hair and dirt matted to his forehead, and Aimee raced from the rides to the games and back to the rides again, never stopping once to consider the plethora of snacks available at her fingertips.

Finally, as we were dragging them out the gate, we grabbed a few corn dogs and called it a night, but when I got home I was really wanting some fair food. Where were the fried Oreos? The stuffed crust pizzas? Those hotdogs wrapped in curly fries? If there’s ever a time when you should be able to unbutton your pants and seriously let loose, it’s at the fair. Unfortunately, parents just don’t get to do their snack thing when the kids are fixated on seeing the sights.

Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnuts

Because I didn’t overindulge at the fair, I’m diving in deep today with these chocolate hazelnut doughnuts. Although I’m no stranger to a traditional fried doughnut, I love making these baked ones. They’re WAY easier to prepare in my home. Fried food at the fair is amazing, but a house that smells like hot grease… less amazing.

To make these chocolate hazelnut doughnuts, we start with the batter. The dry ingredients of flour, sugar, and cocoa, mix together first. Next, milk and just the right amount of melted Kerrygold butter to make a thick, fudgy mixture. Prepare your favorite doughnut pan with cooking spray and spoon the batter into a piping bag or large plastic bag with the end snipped off. Pipe the batter into the pan and bake them until they’ve puffed slightly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

The topping for these chocolate hazelnut doughnuts is a simple shiny glaze that sets up firm and will stick to all of the chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings that you to sprinkle on top. While I prefer to nibble on these fresh from the oven, absolutely no one complained when I served them for breakfast on day 2. They were positively destroyed.

Kerrygold is my go-to butter in all circumstances, and I’m thrilled to find that it performs well in these baked chocolate hazelnut doughnuts. The pastries stay moist and flavorful even on day 2 and 3 of consuming, and I have no doubt that choosing a quality butter had something to do with that. Pick some up for yourself next time you’re at the store and let me know what you think. In the meantime, I hope you get the try these chocolate hazelnut doughnuts in your own kitchens! Happy baking!

If you like these chocolate hazelnut doughnuts you should try:

Coffee Donuts: Two Ways

Jelly Donuts

Doughnut Croquembouche

Tiramisu Cream Puffs

Chocolate Hazelnut Doughnuts

Print Recipe

These chocolate hazelnut doughnuts are rich chocolate baked pastries topped with a simple chocolate hazelnut glaze.

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 18
Category: Breakfast

Ingredients

For the donuts:

6 tablespoons (85 gm) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup (240 gm) sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–1/2 cups (210 gm) bread flour
2/3 cup (50 gm) cocoa powder
1 cup (200 gm) brown sugar
1–1/2 teaspoons espresso powder or instant coffee
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
¼ cup chocolate hazelnut spread
¼ cup milk

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Instructions

To prepare the donuts:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a donut baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, espresso powder baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The mixture is thick, so be sure to incorporate the ingredients well. Pour the batter into a piping bag or a quart-sized plastic bag with the end snipped off. Pipe the mixture into the wells of the donut pan, filling each about ¾ of the way full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Repeat the process with the remaining batter until all the donuts are cooked. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the glaze:

Whisk all of the ingredients together. Add additional milk to thin out the mixture if desired. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and allow to set. Feel free to sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts prior to glaze setting if desired.

Eleven Madison Park Granola // Guide to New York City

15 Comments / Confections and Candies

I’ve been dying to tell you all about our trip to NYC. My absolute favorite thing in the whole wide world is to eat my way through a new city, and while this wasn’t my first rodeo in The Big Apple, I certainly took in some sights (and bites!) that y’all need to know about. Before we dive into the who, what, and where, let’s first take a look at the Eleven Madison Park Granola, as in, the only granola you’ll ever need for the rest of your life.

Eleven Madison Park Granola

While in NYC, we dined at Eleven Madison Park (more on that later) and were sent home with our own individual jars of granola. Now, you guys know me. I like butter and chocolate and lots of sugar. I like fluffy cakes and drippy ice cream cones; granola really isn’t on my radar. But THIS granola… this was no ordinary granola. This is actually the best granola of my life.

I realized quickly that the tiny jar they sent us home with wouldn’t last long, and if I was going to make it last forever I’d have to figure out the recipe. Lucky for me, the kind folks at the New York Times had already nosed around about the how-to, and Daniel Humm, executive chef at EMP, had already shared his base granola recipe. With a few ingredient tweaks and modifications, I landed a granola recipe to share with you all that will from here out be known as THE ELEVEN MADISON PARK GRANOLA. All others are dead to me.

Making the Granola

The recipe for this granola is probably the easiest one I’ve ever shared on my site. We’re literally going to dump a bunch of dry ingredients into a bowl and then dump some wet ingredients on top before baking it. That’s it. The dominant flavor in this granola is the coconut flakes which lend a warm and toasty crunch to the mixture. Hazelnuts follow suit and show off their delicious flavor in cozy chunks that are scattered throughout the granola. The secret star of the show is the cacao nibs which provide just enough savory and smoke to offset all the sweet happening here. Rolled oats, golden raisins, and maple syrup round out the flavor profile, and, oh, it is a sweet flavor profile.

This Eleven Madison Park granola needs no toppings. It needs no milk, no yogurt, no janky açaí bowl to carry it; all it requires is a welcoming hand and an open mouth. It’s crunchy, sweet and salty, and has ridiculous depth of flavor. Follow the instructions and you’ll be sure to experience the same level of deliciousness in your own home. Keep in mind that the ingredients make a difference here. Invest in thin rolled oats (I bought mine from the bulk section at Whole Foods) and quality coconut chips for the biggest impact.

If you haven’t left your computers already to make your own Eleven Madison Park granola, let’s talk about New York! This is your official baking blogger, fancy dinner-loving, pampered prego lady guide to NYC. Leh-go!

Where We Stayed

We stayed at 1 Hotel Central Park. This whole trip, by the way, was thunk up by my favorite husband and his BFF who decided to plan the trip for me and my BFF. They picked the hotel, booked a few reservations, and surprised us Christmas morning. While 1 Hotel maybe wouldn’t have been the hotel I would have chosen, I am so glad we ended up there. This boutique hotel is situated on the edge of Central Park and is within walking distance to a few great spots and a subway station.

Uniquely appointed in a vibe I would call “Nature Meets Industrial,” the iron-clad hotel sports an exposed pipes and beams look that is softened with rustic wood, an abundance of plants and greenery, and warm, neutral fabrics galore. We stayed in a City King, and while the room was small, it offered a thoughtful details and unique features that added a ton of WOW factor. A few perks to expect with this hotel include free fresh fruit from the farmer’s market every morning, a delicious hotel restaurant on the bottom level, and a street location that is relatively quiet by NYC standards.

Would I stay at 1 Hotel Central Park again? Absolutely. Would I recommend this hotel if you’re looking to capture a more touristy side of New York? Maybe not. You might find yourself better situated closer to Times Square and the Midtown trains for that kind of vibe, but that’s just my opinion. My girlfriend and I decided we’d love to check out The Greenwich Hotel in the future. With excellent restaurants nearby and a decidedly chic urban vibe, that hotel is definitely going to stay on my list.

What We Ate

What we didn’t eat might be the shorter list. Since I’ve visited New York several times in the past couple of years, I’m going to list out a few of those options below as well. Keep in mind that the food scene is ever-evolving in NYC, so if you happen to see this list in, say, 2024, maybe do your research and make sure it’s still the best recommendation. Cool?

Bakeries

Dominique Ansel Bakery

A James Beard Award-winning pastry chef’s flagship bakery. Everyone loves the Cronuts, but I’d recommend the DKA (Dominique Kouign Amann).

Mah-Ze-Dahr

Chef Umber Ahmad runs this newer hotspot and is up for a James Beard Award this year! I got to meet and speak with her during my visit there and was delighted to taste test some of the most delicious pastry bites I had in the Big Apple. My favorite bite there was the banana bread, but weekend crowds wait for a chance at the giant cinnamon rolls.

Milk Bar

Pastry genius Christina Tosi is known for her playful takes on nostalgic flavors. I’d recommend getting the Cereal Milk soft serve and a copy of her book to-go.

Breads Bakery

Just get the chocolate babka, okay?

Supermoon Bakery

I was promised an “Instagrammable” bakery but received so much more! Flaky stuffed croissants (I loved the PB&J) were among my favorite things I tried here.

Levain Bakery

Pro tip: Stop here on your last day and pick up a dozen cookies to bring home with you. They freeze like a dream and are worth every ~~calorie~~ penny.

Upscale Dining

Daniel

This Michelin Star restaurant from Daniel Boulud was a highly anticipated portion of our trip. While the price tag for this meal made me sweat a little, the service was superb and the food was excellent. I recommend dining in the bar lounge.

Eleven Madison Park

Dining at EMP has long been on my bucket list, and this meal delivered on all levels. Every bite was delicious, inventive, and stunning to look at. The service was precise and thorough without being the least bit stuffy or pretentious. A highlight of the meal was getting a mini tour of the kitchen. We requested this at the beginning of our meal and after we finished eating, one of the staff members brought us to the back. They treated us to a taste-testing game and a brief walk-through of the prep areas. Eating at EMP was, without question, the very most enjoyable portion of our trip, and I’d highly recommend to anyone with a taste for an incredible dining experience. For reference, we enjoyed the 4-course lunch menu in the bar area.

Gramercy Tavern

A New York staple, Gramercy Tavern has long been one of my favorite spots in the city. You’ll find cozy, seasonal bites and warm service all year round. I prefer to eat in the bar- it’s beautiful!

Scarpetta

Someone told me to check out the spaghetti at this Scott Conant restaurant. I was hesitant to order something so basic, but it blew my mind. I also recommend the San Remo cocktail which, to this day, is my favorite cocktail of all time.

Casual Dining

Uncle Boon’s

Quirky Thai food in a cozy setting. Expect intense flavors and HEAT.

The Spotted Pig

BURGERS AND FRIES. That is all.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

This is the Momofuku franchise’s most casual spot. We saddled up at the bar for big noodle bowls but stayed for the fried chicken.

Pizza Loves Emily

Would you believe that we came here for… the burger?!? We ordered a burger, the Brussels sprouts salad, the loaded fries, and the spicy pizza with the honey drizzled on top. Do the same and you won’t regret it.

Juliana’s Pizza

Owned by the same folks that started the cult favorite Grimaldi’s, Juliana’s in Brooklyn offers the same perfect slices with slightly less wait.

Bars

The Aviary

An inventive cocktail experience.

Death & Co.

A self-proclaimed “cocktail institution” with no-fail beverages in a speakeasy-style setting.

Mother’s Ruin

We visited this bar during the wait for our table at Uncle Boon’s and I wish I could have stayed all night.

What We Did

I’ve done the touristy thing in NYC more times that I can count. We specifically avoided the host of available tourist options on this most recent trip, however, if you’re looking for an out-of-the-box historical option for your trip, please check out the Tenement Museum! I was dying to go and couldn’t reserve a tour at the right time, but this little blip on the Manhattan museum scene offers an inside look at American immigrant life. If you’re looking for a fluffy, pampered NYC experience, check out the things we did below!

Makeovers at Saks Fifth Avenue

We treated ourselves to makeup consultations before dinner on our theatre night. They’re totally free and you can book a consult at the link above!

Workout Class at Pure Barre or Soul Cycle

If you live in a rural area (raises hand!) you’ll want to check out the big-city workout offerings. I visited a Pure Barre studio and my friend did Soul Cycle. Both were excellent! I recommend booking in advance.

FaceGym

“It’s not a facial. It’s a workout.” This is the slogan of FaceGym, the studio offering exercise training-inspired facial treatments now in NYC. Expect muscle manipulations, hydrating serums, and high-tech lasers and infusions.

Union Square Market

We tooled around the market to check out veggies, dried flowers, and even small-batch liquors. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

Shopping in Greenwich Village

Check out the boutique offerings in the village for quirky gifts and fun take-homes.

Theatre

If you go to New York without seeing a show, did you really go to New York? We saw Hamilton for what will probably be my final time, but there are new shows popping up all the time! I’m dying to see Mean Girls and Ain’t Too Proud.

Walked the Brooklyn Bridge

If the weather is right, take time to walk (or bike!) the bridge. We walked to our Brooklyn dinner destination and took the F train home.

What I’ll Check Out Next Time

Eleven Madison Park Granola and Our Trip to NYC

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

This granola, adapted from Eleven Madison Park’s recipe, features a coconut base and loads of flavor from hazelnuts and cacao nibs.

Author: Kate Wood Adapted from Daniel Humm
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 40
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 Cups
Category: Breakfast

Ingredients

2–3/4 cups (250 gm) rolled oats
1 cup (110 gm) hazelnuts, chopped
1 cup (60 gm) unsweetened coconut chips
1/3 cup cacao nibs
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup (100 gm) maple syrup
1/3 cup (60 gm) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (100 gm) brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup (50 gm) golden raisins

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the oats, hazelnuts, coconut chips, cacao nibs, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan on the stove over low heat, stir to combine the maple syrup, olive oil, and brown sugar. Stir regularly and remove from heat when the brown sugar has dissolved. Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture and stir to toss evenly. Spread the mixture out onto a large sheet pan and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. Once the mixture is barely golden and dry, remove from the oven. Toss in the golden raisins and seal in a large bag or tupperware once cool.

Notes

I love the balance of salt here, but feel free to trim back 1/4 teaspoon if desired.

New York City

Eleven Madison Park Granola

Making the Granola

Where We Stayed

What We Ate

Bakeries

Dominique Ansel Bakery
A James Beard Award-winning pastry chef’s flagship bakery. Everyone loves the Cronuts, but I’d recommend the DKA (Dominique Kouign Amann).
Mah-Ze-Dahr
Chef Umber Ahmad runs this newer hotspot and is up for a James Beard Award this year! I got to meet and speak with her during my visit there and was delighted to taste test some of the most delicious pastry bites I had in the Big Apple. My favorite bite there was the banana bread, but weekend crowds wait for a chance at the giant cinnamon rolls.
Milk Bar
Pastry genius Christina Tosi is known for her playful takes on nostalgic flavors. I’d recommend getting the Cereal Milk soft serve and a copy of her book to-go.
Breads Bakery
Just get the chocolate babka, okay?
Supermoon Bakery
I was promised an “Instagrammable” bakery but received so much more! Flaky stuffed croissants (I loved the PB&J) were among my favorite things I tried here.
Levain Bakery
Pro tip: Stop here on your last day and pick up a dozen cookies to bring home with you. They freeze like a dream and are worth every ~~calorie~~ penny.

Upscale Dining

Daniel

Eleven Madison Park

Gramercy Tavern

Scarpetta

Casual Dining

Uncle Boon’s
Quirky Thai food in a cozy setting. Expect intense flavors and HEAT.
The Spotted Pig
BURGERS AND FRIES. That is all.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
This is the Momofuku franchise’s most casual spot. We saddled up at the bar for big noodle bowls but stayed for the fried chicken.
Pizza Loves Emily
Would you believe that we came here for… the burger?!? We ordered a burger, the Brussels sprouts salad, the loaded fries, and the spicy pizza with the honey drizzled on top. Do the same and you won’t regret it.
Juliana’s Pizza
Owned by the same folks that started the cult favorite Grimaldi’s, Juliana’s in Brooklyn offers the same perfect slices with slightly less wait.

Bars

The Aviary
An inventive cocktail experience.
Death & Co.
A self-proclaimed “cocktail institution” with no-fail beverages in a speakeasy-style setting.
Mother’s Ruin
We visited this bar during the wait for our table at Uncle Boon’s and I wish I could have stayed all night.

What We Did

Makeovers at Saks Fifth Avenue

We treated ourselves to makeup consultations before dinner on our theatre night. They’re totally free and you can book a consult at the link above!

Workout Class at Pure Barre or Soul Cycle

FaceGym

Union Square Market

We tooled around the market to check out veggies, dried flowers, and even small-batch liquors. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!

Shopping in Greenwich Village

Check out the boutique offerings in the village for quirky gifts and fun take-homes.

Theatre

Walked the Brooklyn Bridge

If the weather is right, take time to walk (or bike!) the bridge. We walked to our Brooklyn dinner destination and took the F train home.

What I’ll Check Out Next Time

Via Carota
Buvette
Bar Sardine
I Sodi
Frenchette
Ugly Baby
Estela
Lilia
NoMad Bar

Eleven Madison Park Granola and Our Trip to NYC

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

This granola, adapted from Eleven Madison Park’s recipe, features a coconut base and loads of flavor from hazelnuts and cacao nibs.

Author: Kate Wood Adapted from Daniel Humm
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 40
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 Cups
Category: Breakfast

Ingredients

2–3/4 cups (250 gm) rolled oats
1 cup (110 gm) hazelnuts, chopped
1 cup (60 gm) unsweetened coconut chips
1/3 cup cacao nibs
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup (100 gm) maple syrup
1/3 cup (60 gm) extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup (100 gm) brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup (50 gm) golden raisins

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the oats, hazelnuts, coconut chips, cacao nibs, and salt. Set aside.
In a small saucepan on the stove over low heat, stir to combine the maple syrup, olive oil, and brown sugar. Stir regularly and remove from heat when the brown sugar has dissolved. Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture and stir to toss evenly. Spread the mixture out onto a large sheet pan and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so. Once the mixture is barely golden and dry, remove from the oven. Toss in the golden raisins and seal in a large bag or tupperware once cool.

Notes

I love the balance of salt here, but feel free to trim back 1/4 teaspoon if desired.

YOU NEED TO KNOW: How to Make Ganache (and Homemade Chocolate Truffles!)

35 Comments / Confections and Candies, Tutorials

There are a few recipes that every home baker needs to know like the back of their hand. Ganache, with only two ingredients and two steps to create it, is one of a few baking fundamentals that can elevate homemade dishes to sweet, chocolatey bliss. Despite its simplicity, ganache often scares bakers away from attempting to make it themselves at home. Today, in an effort to conquer this Everest, we are going to cover the basics on ganache so that you can create decadent, chocolate dishes with ease from here on out. We’re also going to learn how to make 4 different types of homemade chocolate truffles from a single ganache base, so if you’re interested in making some treats for your valentine (or yourself, no judgement here!), this is a post you’ll want to listen in on. Let’s get started!

What Is It?

Ganache is the mixture of warmed cream and chocolate. It can be used to glaze, fill, coat, or whip into baked goods and desserts. Ganache can take on a variety of forms depending on the cream to chocolate ratio; the concentration and preparation of these two ingredients will alter the final product.

How Do You Make It?

All ganaches begin by heating heavy whipping cream until hot but not boiling. The warm cream is poured over finely chopped chocolate and allowed to rest for a few minutes. Once the chocolate has melted enough to be stirred into the cream. When combined, the chocolate and cream transform into a smooth and rich liquid that we know as ganache.

What Are the Different Types of Ganache?

The proportion of cream to chocolate will determine how viscous your final product will be. A higher cream:chocolate weight ratio will land you a more thin chocolate glaze. Likewise, a ganache with more chocolate than cream will result in a thick, fudgy texture. Here are three basic cream:chocolate ratios that you need to know.

1:1 – One part cream to one part chocolate

Using the same weight of cream and chocolate will result in a thick fudge sauce consistency. When warm, this ganache can be poured thickly over cakes, breads, and ice cream. When chilled, the ganache can be used to fill cakes, pastries, and tarts. If whipped, this ganache ratio will transform into a hardening frosting that is perfect for cakes to be covered in fondant. You might remember this ganache from marble loaf pound cake .

1:2 – One part cream to two parts chocolate

Ganache will become thick and viscous as you increase the amount of chocolate to cream. The more chocolate, the thicker it will be. We will use this ratio later today to prepare homemade truffles, but you might remember a similarly rich ganache from the mint chocolate sandwich cookies.

2:1 – Two parts cream to one part chocolate

When warm, this ganache will be a thin, pourable glaze that can be used to coat baked goods, but when allowed to cool, this ganache ratio will whip into a light and fluffy frosting that will stay soft upon setting.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Ganache?

There’s a few other things that will affect your final ganache. First: time and temperature. A warm, freshly made ganache will be a bit more loose than one that has been resting at room temperature or chilled overnight in the fridge. Given enough time and cool temperatures, all ganaches will firm up somewhat from their warm state. For example, if you’ve prepared a thick ganache with more chocolate than cream, you’ll find the ganache is pourable and saucy while warm, but will harden up to a firm, malleable consistency after some time in the fridge. Cold ganache will always be more firm than a warm one, so if you find that your final outcome is not as thick as you anticipated, it may be that you just need to let it rest a bit more.

The type of chocolate that you choose to use will also affect your final ganache. While most recipes call for bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, ganache can be made with white or milk chocolate as well. The type of chocolate you choose will affect the flavor and texture of your ganache, so be sure to use chocolate that you would normally enjoy eating on its own.

Finally, ganache can be flavored with a few simple add-ins. Extracts, liquors, and even nut butters can be whisked into a warm ganache to to add flavor the the chocolate base. I’ll share a few simple variations below, but be sure to tell me if you have any favorites that I need to try!

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Let’s be honest. There’s nothing sweeter than romance via chocolate on Valentine’s Day and no better way to share that love than by making homemade chocolate truffles. Now that you’ve mastered ganache, you can easily prepare 4 different homemade chocolate truffles to show love to your boo thang. Of course there’s a million other options, but here are a few rich candies to get started with:

Simple Chocolate Truffles

The gold standard for chocolate candies, these babies are the most basic form of truffle, prepared by scooping firm rounds of chilled ganache and rolling it in cocoa powder. These are perfect for the more-is-more kind of chocolate lover in your life.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles

Here, peanut butter is stirred into the warm ganache before it’s chilled to a thick consistency. Once firm, simply scoop small mounds of chocolate to roll and refrigerate until cold. The chilled balls are then dipped in a coating of melted chocolate and sprinkled with chopped peanuts.

Dark Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt

Simple, rich, and decadent are these truffles, made by preparing a dark chocolate ganache with the addition of sea salt. Once chilled, balls of ganache are dipped in dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt gives these little guys a sophisticated look with that sweet and salty taste.

Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles

Similar to the peanut butter truffles, these hazelnut truffles are made by stirring chocolate hazelnut spread into the warm ganache. I like to roll the chilled truffles in chopped hazelnuts, but certainly you could dip these in chocolate as well.

A Few Other Chocolate Truffle Filling Variations:

Boozy Truffles: Add 1 tablespoon of rum, bourbon, coffee or orange liqueur into the warm chocolate ganache recipe.

Vanilla Truffles: Add 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to the warm chocolate ganache. Roll the finished balls in powdered sugar.

Coconut Truffles: Add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract to the warm chocolate ganache and roll the finished balls in toasted sweetened coconut.

Peppermint Truffles: Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract to the warm chocolate ganache and roll the finished balls in crushed candy canes.

Ok, I’m Obsessed with Ganache. How Do I Get Started?!

Ganache and homemade truffles are one of the easiest recipes you’ll make all year. Once you know how to make a base ganache you can make a ton of different treats like peanut butter chocolate cheesecake, mint brownie ice cream cake, and pretzel millionaire bars. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ll be glad to have this technique in your pocket, and you honey booboo will be even more thrilled. Give these homemade chocolate truffles a try and let me know what you think! #MonthofChocolate will continue next week, so stay tuned for more milky cocoa goodness!

Chocolate Ganache

Print Recipe

Making homemade ganache is simple and only requires two ingredients. Use some basic ratios to learn how to make the perfect ganache your recipe needs!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 5
Cook Time: 5
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Dark Chocolate, finely chopped
Heavy Whipping Cream

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Instructions

Place the chocolate in a bowl and set aside while you prepare the cream.Warm the cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until cream is hot and beginning to steam. Do not boil.
Pour the warm cream over the chopped chocolate and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rest about 5 minutes, and then use a spoon or spatula to stir the chocolate and cream together. If the chocolate is not completely melted you can microwave the chocolate and cream together in 15 second increments, stirring until the two have combined.
Allow the ganache to cool to your desired consistency. You can expedite this process by placing the bowl in the refrigerator. Stir it regularly to keep it uniform in consistency.

Notes

For a thick glaze/ cake or pie filling:

Use a 1:1 chocolate to cream ratio.
Weigh equal amounts of cream and chocolate. For example, you may use 2 ounces of heavy whipping cream and 2 ounces of chocolate to make 4 ounces of ganache.
If you plan to frost a cake with this ganache, allow it to cool and then whip with a paddle attachment until fluffy in the bowl of a stand mixer.

For truffle thick ganache:

Use a 1:2 cream to chocolate ratio.
Weigh out double the amount of chocolate to cream. For example, you might combine 2 ounces of cream and 4 ounces of chocolate to make 6 ounces of truffle thick ganache.
If you plan to use this ganache to make truffles, chill the ganache until it is firm enough to scoop.

For a thin glaze/ whipped ganache:

Use a 2:1 cream to chocolate ratio.
Weigh out double the amount of cream than chocolate. For example, you might combine 4 ounces of cream and 2 ounces of chocolate to prepare 6 ounces of thin ganache.
For whipped ganache, allow the cream to set out or chill in the fridge until slightly thickened and viscous. Place in the bowl of a stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to beat until light and fluffy. Be sure to not overbeat- you may make butter!

Homemade Truffles

Print Recipe

If you know how to make ganache, these homemade truffles are a cinch! Four variations will make for a beautiful homemade dessert!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 20
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 18

Ingredients

4 ounces (115 gm) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces (60 gm) heavy whipping cream
Cocoa powder (for classic truffles)
1/4 cup (60 gm) creamy peanut butter (for peanut butter truffles)
6 tablespoons (90 gm) chocolate hazelnut spread (for hazelnut truffles)
Sea Salt (for dark chocolate truffles)
1 cup (180 gm) chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate for dipping, optional
Toasted peanuts or hazelnuts, finely chopped, optional

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Instructions

Place the chopped chocolate in a small mixing bowl
Heat the heavy whipping cream until hot. Pour over the chocolate, stir to combine, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow to rest 5 minutes and then stir to combine until smooth. Microwave in 15 second increments if the chocolate is not thoroughly melted. If you plan to make classic truffles, refrigerate this mixture until firmed but still malleable. Scoop out 2 teaspoon sized balls and roll them in cocoa powder. Refrigerate to firm and then serve at room temperature.

For peanut butter truffles:

Stir the peanut butter into the warm ganache and place in the fridge to chill. Once the ganache is set but still scoopable, spoon 2 teaspoon sized balls (I use a small cookie scoop) of ganache and roll gently in your hands. Place the balls back in the fridge to cool. In the meantime, melt the additional chocolate in a double boiler set over medium-low heat. Roll each chilled ball in the melted chocolate and place on a piece of parchment or wax paper to set. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cool completely in the fridge.

For hazelnut truffles:

Stir the chocolate hazelnut spread into the warm ganache and place in the fridge to chill. Once the ganache is set but still scoopable, spoon 2 teaspoon sized balls (I use a small cookie scoop) of ganache and roll gently in your hands. Roll each ball in the finely chopped hazelnuts and place in the fridge to set.

For sea salt truffles:

Sprinkle in a small pinch of salt and stir to combine. Place in the fridge to chill. Once the ganache is set but still scoopable, spoon 2 teaspoon sized balls (I use a small cookie scoop) of ganache and roll gently in your hands. In the meantime, melt the additional chocolate in a double boiler set over medium-low heat. Roll each chilled ball in the melted chocolate and place on a piece of parchment or wax paper to set. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to firm up at room temperature or in the fridge.

Chicago

Where We Stayed

We stayed downtown at the Loews Hotel and spent pretty much every waking moment eating and navigating the city. Although the shopping and tourist attractions were all pretty stellar, the hands-down highlight was the architecture tour along the river. Taking in the city from a boat on a sunny day was a treat I won’t soon forget.

And Friends Came, Too!

Another day was spent with my dearest friend, Trisha, and her husband who drove from Indianapolis to surprise me for my b-day! This girl has a brand new baby boy at home and still made the trek to hug my neck and celebrate- isn’t that golden? We had a few meals, shopped, and experienced the view from the 96th floor of the John Hancock building during our time together. Let’s raise a glass to the besties that love us well.

In the evenings, we hung out with my brother, Blake, who lives in downtown Chicago. While together, we visited some of my very favorite restaurants in the city and spared no calorie to make sure that we enjoyed the full culinary experience. My brother is a super adventurous eater and really appreciates good food, so it was next-level amazing to have him join our dining squad.

On our last day in Chicago, we had brunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Little Goat Diner, and went to see the Broadway musical Hamilton. If theatre or American history or hip-hop or ridiculous musical talent is your thing, THIS SHOW IS FOR YOU. I laughed, I cried, I danced in my seat- this show literally blew my mind and I’m dying to go again. If you have the opportunity to see this show, DOOOO IT.

Be sure to check out my list of Chicago faves below. In a city with a thousand wonderful things to do, I hope you’ll make time for at least one or two of these on your next trip.

Chocolate Budino

While in Chicago, we ate dinner at Monteverde, a 2017 James Beard Award winning chef’s restaurant. We ordered things like pesto gnocchi and pumpkin ravioli, but the winner for me was the butterscotch budino. If you’re not familiar, budino is basically a rich Italian take on pudding, sometimes smooth and creamy like a custard, other times light and eggy like a souffle. Always wanting to appease my pudding-loving husband, I started tinkering with a chocolate budino recipe a few months ago, and I am thrilled to share the outcome with you today.

This chocolate budino is not your average Snack Pack. There’s no artificial chocolate powder flavor here; this thing doesn’t taste like a Yoo-Hoo. This version of chocolate budino tastes like CHOCOLATE- rich and buttery with the perfect amount of sweetness, but otherwise decidedly chocolate in flavor. Making chocolate budino is quite similar to making a homemade pudding, and once you know the base recipe there are three different topping variations that you can try. Seriously, I see this coming to an intimate dinner party near you.

Making the Budino

To make the chocolate budino, we start at the stove. Gently heat some whole milk and cream while you mix together the dry ingredients- cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sugar. A few egg yolks are whisked into the dry ingredients before the steaming dairy is added to the mix. We add the hot liquids in a slow and careful stream, whisking vigorously the whole time to ensure that we don’t scramble our egg yolks in the process. Once the milk and cream have been added, we pour the whole lot of it back into the saucepan on the stove and cook, continuing to whisk, until the mixture has thickened slightly to the consistency of a thick and creamy salad dressing.

Next, we lower the heat and add the remaining ingredients of chocolate, salt, vanilla, and butter, stirring to combine. Immediately divvy the pudding into small heat-safe containers and rest a piece of plastic wrap on the surface of each one to make sure that the pudding doesn’t form a skin (yuck).

Serving the Budino

This chocolate budino can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge just until the time of serving. I like to let mine warm up on the counter for a few minutes prior to serving so that you can realllllly taste the chocolate. While they sit out, you can begin assembling the toppings for these treats! Fresh whipped cream is a must, but from there you have some choices to make. I’ve included instructions for a berry topping, a chocolate crumble (adapted from this cake!), and hazelnut praline. All options are terrific, so pick how you want your chocolate budino and get to work! You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for always letting me jabber on about desserts and traveling. If you have any must-see spots in Chicago, PLEASE, tell me about them! And if there’s another city you think I need to eat my way through, please inform me so that I can begin negotiations with Brett. Ha! Enjoy these chocolate budinos and cheers to you!

Where We Ate in Chicago:

Fun/ Casual Bites:

Little Goat Diner
My favorite dish (This Little Piggy Went To China) is from here!
Girl and the Goat
Global food served in a family-style setting.
Au Cheval
The best burger and garlic fries in Chicago.
Fat Rice
A mix of Asian, African, and Indian cuisine served in the COOLEST atmosphere.
Pequod’s
Perfect Chicago deep-dish pizza. We called ahead and ordered carry-out to avoid a wait!
The Purple Pig
Highly acclaimed Chicago favorite serving New American cuisine in a shared-plate atmosphere.
Duck Duck Goat
Stephanie Izzard’s take on Chinese food. It’s RIDICULOUS GOOD.
Rooh
A seasonal Indian menu in a chic setting.

Nicer Vibes:

Monteverde
Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and loads of global influence.
Avec
Rustic Mediterranean small plates and home of the best Chorizo-stuffed dates.
Bavette’s
A classic steakhouse with French flair.
Nico Osteria
A daily-changed menu serving housemade pasta and Italian seafood.
RL Restaurant
American food served in a unique club atmosphere.
RPM Italian
Modern Italian cuisine in a sassy atmosphere.
Gilt Bar
Contemporary American cuisine and small plates in a dark dining setting.

Dining Experiences:

Alinea
Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the WORLD, Alinea is a fine dining experience that is equally parts meal and show. Expect modern American cuisine, impeccable service, and a bunch of surprises throughout the evening.

Sweet Bites:

Sweet Mandy B’s
Buy as many cookies as you can fit in your carry-on.
Floriole
A fantastic bakery with some of the flakiest, most buttery pasties I’ve ever had.

Where We Drank in Chicago:

Three Dots and A Dash
The coolest tiki lounge in The Loop!
The Signature Lounge
Cocktails from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building!
Velvet Hour
A moody bar with a speak-easy vibe.
Cindy’s Rooftop
My favorite spot for day drinking in Chicago.
Intelligentsia Coffee
A Chicago-born coffee company with a terrific brew.
Lost Lake
A tiki bar with and island aesthetic.
The Fox Bar at Soho House
A cheeky late-night spot to grab a drink.

Things We Did in Chicago:

Millenium Park to check out The Bean!
Shopping on Michigan Ave.
River architecture tour
Hamilton– the best broadway show I’ve ever seen.
Shopping on Armitage
Took in the view from the top of the John Hancock Building

Places I’m Dying to Try Next Time in Chicago:

Three Arts Club Cafe
Bohemian House
Velvet Taco
Big Star Tacos
Publican Quality Meats
Milk Room

For more posts like this, check out:

Cookie Butter Pretzel Mousse
Banana Coconut Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate Coffee Almond Scones and Our Time in Portland
BBC Popsicles and Our Time in St. Barth’s

Chocolate Budino: Three Ways

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Chocolate budino, a rich pudding-like dessert, can be prepared in three ways- with a chocolate crumble, with a berry topping, or with a hazelnut praline!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 90
Yield: 4

Ingredients

For the budino:

1–1/4 cup (300 mL) whole milk
1/3 cup (80 mL) heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup (30 gm) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (50 gm) sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar

For the chocolate crumble topping:

¼ cup (55 gm) unsalted butter, room temperature
2–1/2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons (60 gm) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon water

For the berry topping:

1 cup mixed berries (I prefer blackberries and raspberries)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For the hazelnut praline:

¼ cup (40 gm) chopped hazelnuts
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

To prepare the budino:

Combine one cup of the whole milk and the heavy cream in a 6-quart saucepan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-low while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cocoa powder and sugar. Add the egg yolks and the remaining milk, whisking to combine.
Once the milk and cream on the stovetop are warmed and barely steaming, carefully remove one cup of the mixture and add it to the cornstarch mixture, whisking quickly all the while. Once combined, add the cornstarch and milk mixture back to the saucepan on the stove, whisking together constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. You’ll want the mixture to become a viscous consistency, similar to the texture of a creamy salad dressing.
Turn the heat to low and add in the salt, chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Whisk quickly to combine and melt the chocolate and then remove from the heat immediately. Pour into four heat-safe containers and place a small sheet of plastic wrap on top so that a skin does not form on the top of the pudding.

To prepare the whipped cream:

Place the cold cream in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat at medium speed until slightly thickened and frothy, then add the sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat just until medium stiff peaks form. Keep in the fridge until you plan to serve the budino.

To prepare the chocolate crumble topping:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the butter and sugar on medium low speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and beat on low until large crumbs begin to form. Chill the crumbs in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the crumbs.
Spread the crumbs out onto a quarter sheet pan and bake in the oven, tossing occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, or until crumbs are baked and set. All to cool completely.

To prepare the berry topping:

Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Mash larger berries to release juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and is bubbling. Remove from heat and cool completely.

To prepare the hazelnut praline:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all three ingredients and spread out on a small sheet pan.
Bake for about 5 minutes, then stir and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes. The nuts should be fragrant and crunchy with melted sugar. Allow to cool completely.

Notes

If desired, add 1/4 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) to the pudding.
As an alternative to the hazelnut praline, consider making cookies to top the pudding! Check out my recipe for butter pecan cookies. Substitute hazelnuts for pecans and crumble baked and cooled cookies over top of the pudding.
Switch out these toppings for some of your favorites. Salted caramel, pretzels, shortbread cookies, toffee sauce and bananas, and any other number of items would taste delicious here! Change according to your preferences.

Recipe for the budino adapted from Nigella Lawson

Chocolate Budino// Guide to Chicago

15 Comments / Confections and Candies

Where We Stayed

And Friends Came, Too!

Be sure to check out my list of Chicago faves below. In a city with a thousand wonderful things to do, I hope you’ll make time for at least one or two of these on your next trip.

Chocolate Budino

Making the Budino

Serving the Budino

Where We Ate in Chicago:

Little Goat Diner

My favorite dish (This Little Piggy Went To China) is from here!

Monteverde

Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and loads of global influence.

Girl and the Goat

Global food served in a family-style setting.

Au Cheval

The best burger and garlic fries in Chicago.

Avec

Rustic Mediterranean small plates and home of the best Chorizo-stuffed dates.

Bavette’s

A classic steakhouse with French flair.

Nico Osteria

A daily-changed menu serving housemade pasta and Italian seafood.

Fat Rice

A mix of Asian, African, and Indian cuisine served in the COOLEST atmosphere.

Pequod’s

Perfect Chicago deep-dish pizza. We called ahead and ordered carry-out to avoid a wait!

The Purple Pig

Highly acclaimed Chicago favorite serving New American cuisine in a shared-plate atmosphere.

RL Restaurant

American food served in a unique club atmosphere.

Sweet Mandy B’s

Buy as many cookies as you can fit in your carry-on.

Floriole

A fantastic bakery with some of the flakiest, most buttery pasties I’ve ever had.

Where We Drank in Chicago:

Three Dots and A Dash

The coolest tiki lounge in The Loop!

The Signature Lounge

Cocktails from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building!

Velvet Hour

A moody bar with a speak-easy vibe.

Cindy’s Rooftop

My favorite spot for day drinking in Chicago.

Intelligentsia Coffee

A Chicago-born coffee company with a terrific brew.

Lost Lake

A tiki bar with and island aesthetic.

Things We Did in Chicago:

Millenium Park to check out The Bean!

Shopping on Michigan Ave.

River architecture tour

Hamilton– the best broadway show I’ve ever seen.

Shopping on Armitage

Took in the view from the top of the John Hancock Building

Places I’m Dying to Try Next Time in Chicago:

Three Arts Club Cafe

Bohemian House

Velvet Taco

Big Star Tacos

Publican Quality Meats

Milk Room

For more posts like this, check out:

Cookie Butter Pretzel Mousse

Banana Coconut Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Coffee Almond Scones and Our Time in Portland

BBC Popsicles and Our Time in St. Barth’s

Chocolate Budino: Three Ways

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

Chocolate budino, a rich pudding-like dessert, can be prepared in three ways- with a chocolate crumble, with a berry topping, or with a hazelnut praline!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 90
Yield: 4

Ingredients

For the budino:

1–1/4 cup (300 mL) whole milk
1/3 cup (80 mL) heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/3 cup (30 gm) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (50 gm) sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar

For the chocolate crumble topping:

¼ cup (55 gm) unsalted butter, room temperature
2–1/2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons (60 gm) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon water

For the berry topping:

1 cup mixed berries (I prefer blackberries and raspberries)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

For the hazelnut praline:

¼ cup (40 gm) chopped hazelnuts
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

To prepare the budino:

Combine one cup of the whole milk and the heavy cream in a 6-quart saucepan on the stove. Turn the heat to medium-low while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cocoa powder and sugar. Add the egg yolks and the remaining milk, whisking to combine.
Once the milk and cream on the stovetop are warmed and barely steaming, carefully remove one cup of the mixture and add it to the cornstarch mixture, whisking quickly all the while. Once combined, add the cornstarch and milk mixture back to the saucepan on the stove, whisking together constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. You’ll want the mixture to become a viscous consistency, similar to the texture of a creamy salad dressing.
Turn the heat to low and add in the salt, chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Whisk quickly to combine and melt the chocolate and then remove from the heat immediately. Pour into four heat-safe containers and place a small sheet of plastic wrap on top so that a skin does not form on the top of the pudding.

To prepare the whipped cream:

Place the cold cream in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat at medium speed until slightly thickened and frothy, then add the sugar. Increase the speed to high and beat just until medium stiff peaks form. Keep in the fridge until you plan to serve the budino.

To prepare the chocolate crumble topping:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the butter and sugar on medium low speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and beat on low until large crumbs begin to form. Chill the crumbs in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the crumbs.
Spread the crumbs out onto a quarter sheet pan and bake in the oven, tossing occasionally for about 15-20 minutes, or until crumbs are baked and set. All to cool completely.

To prepare the berry topping:

Combine all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Mash larger berries to release juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and is bubbling. Remove from heat and cool completely.

To prepare the hazelnut praline:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all three ingredients and spread out on a small sheet pan.
Bake for about 5 minutes, then stir and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes. The nuts should be fragrant and crunchy with melted sugar. Allow to cool completely.

Notes

If desired, add 1/4 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) to the pudding.
As an alternative to the hazelnut praline, consider making cookies to top the pudding! Check out my recipe for butter pecan cookies. Substitute hazelnuts for pecans and crumble baked and cooled cookies over top of the pudding.
Switch out these toppings for some of your favorites. Salted caramel, pretzels, shortbread cookies, toffee sauce and bananas, and any other number of items would taste delicious here! Change according to your preferences.

Recipe for the budino adapted from Nigella Lawson

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

8 Comments / Pies and Tarts

Guess what!? It’s still the month of chocolate around these parts, so you’re getting hit with another decadent, chocolatey treat today. This hazelnut mocha cream pie is a simple, cool and creamy treat that is so good, I think it might make your heart skip a beat.

My heart already had its fair share of excitement this week, given that we celebrated Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. Brett and I drove to Birmingham to attend a pop-up dinner hosted by our good friend Mac Russell of Shindigs Catering. Shindigs turns fresh, local food into tastebud spankin’ Southern inspired dishes, and I knew this special dinner wouldn’t disappoint. While there were multiple highlights throughout the six courses of dining, you have to know my heart exploded during the dessert course: tiramisu with Nutella coffee. Even just typing the words makes my mouth water.

Lucky for me, I get a coffee and Nutella fix with this week’s #monthofchocolate dessert. This hazelnut mocha cream pie is officially my new BFF. A cinch to make and inspired by my favorite peanut butter pie, this little fancy has a chocolate graham cracker crust, a hazelnut and espresso cream cheese filling, and is all topped off with espresso whipped cream and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. This pie is cloud-like with layers of fluffy whipped filling, and the rich, creamy flavors of the chocolate hazelnut spread is offset perfectly by the tangy cream cheese and bite from the espresso.

To whip up this pie, we start with a quick bake of the chocolate graham cracker crust. You can skip this part and go straight for a store-bought chocolate cookie crust, but it’s so easy to whip one up- why bother!? While the crust cools, we beat together cream cheese, Nutella, and a bit of sugar, and then fold in some whipped cream that we’ve already dissolved a bit of espresso in. The filling gets topped with a few more dollops of espresso whipped cream, a drizzle more of Nutella, and some toasted hazelnuts before chilling to completion in the fridge.

Hazelnut mocha cream pie takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, but you wouldn’t believe it by the taste or looks of it. This pie is easy to beautify and even easier to love, as the coffee and Nutella flavors are a favorite to most these days. You can try different variations of this pie by omitting the espresso, using a pastry crust instead of a cookie crust, or even by opting for cookie butter or peanut butter chocolate spread in place of the Nutella. I love testing out different versions of this pie as it almost always turns out rich, fluffy, and sweetened to perfection. If you try out any versions that are especially delicious, let me know in the comments section below!

Next week is a super special week for me, as it will be my one year blogiversary! I could not be more thrilled to celebrate a year writing to you all, and I have just the thing to celebrate with. (Hint: it has to do with chocolate. Shocking, right?) Stay tuned until next week and have a terrific Thursday! Cheers to you!

For another mocha treat, check out this no churn mocha brownie fudge ice cream.

Hazelnut Mocha Cream Pie

Print Recipe

★★★

3 from 1 reviews

This hazelnut mocha cream pie is a light and creamy icebox pie flavored with Nutella and espresso. A chocolate cookie crust and coffee whipped cream makes this pie a sweet treat to feed a crowd!

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 30
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pie

Ingredients

For the crust

1–1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (I finely crumble 1–1/2 sleeves of graham crackers)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar

For the pie filling

1–1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1–1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup hazelnut spread (I use Nutella)
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon hazelnut spread (optional)
1 teaspoon cream or milk (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts, toasted (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

To prepare the crust

Preheat the oven to 375 degress.
Stir all of the crust ingredients together in a bowl, or whiz together in a food processor. Press the crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of a standard 9″ pie plate (note: this recipe will not fill a deep dish pie pan- use the standard sized pan). Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes or until the crumbs are set. Set aside to cool completely.

To prepare the pie filling

Combine the heavy cream and espresso powder to allow the powder to dissolve while you prepare the filling.
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, hazelnut spread, and confectioner’s sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
In a separate medium sized bowl, beat the espresso and cream mixture on low speed until the cream froths. Increase the speed to medium-high, adding the granulated sugar once soft peaks form. Continuing beating just until stiff peaks form.
Fold half of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Once combined, fold in the remaining whipped cream. Spread the filling into the cooled pie crust.

To prepare the topping

Combine 1 cup of the heavy cream and the espresso powder and allow the powder to dissolve, just as you did before. Once dissolved, whip until stiff peaks form, adding the sugar again at the soft peak stage. Spread the coffee whipped cream on top of the pie filling. If desired, combine the hazelnut spread and 1 teaspoon of cream in a small bowl and then microwave for 8-10 second to melt. Drizzle all over the pie as a garnish and top with the optional toasted hazelnuts.

Notes

Be sure your cream cheese is room temp, otherwise you will have cream cheese clumps in your pie! In a pinch, I slice my cream cheese up into 1 ounce slices and microwave briefly for 10-15 second intervals until it is soft enough. Take care not to cook the cream cheese in the microwave.
Espresso powder can be found in the coffee aisle of the grocery store. A high quality instant coffee can be used as well.
To toast hazelnuts, put the nuts in a small fry pan over medium low heat. Toss them occasionally. Nuts are toasted when they become fragrant and lightly golden brown.

Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

6 Comments / Breakfast

I’m really into the term “Throwback Thursday.”

For most of us, Throwback Thursday is an opportunity to post 10 year old bikini shots from before we had stretch marks, or the photo from that time we ran into some obscure daytime television star in the airport, but Throwback Thursday can also be used as an opportunity to reminisce on on fun, tasty memories. While I know today is not Thursday, we can totally pretend it is, or, if you’d prefer, we can say today is “Throwback Tuesday.” Cool? OK, awesome.

Today I’m throwing it back to my early teenage years (mentally wincing). As a now late 20-something, my teenage years were heavily characterized by AOL instant messaging via my dial-up desktop computer, making up dance routines to N’Sync songs in my best friend’s bedroom, and trolling the mall for cute boys and a Cinnabon. Thank God, I’ve since moved on from instant messaging and checking out long-haired, pimpled skater boys, but I am still 100% into Cinnabons. Let’s be honest- you didn’t go to a shopping mall 10 years ago without stopping at Cinnabon, did you? If I close my eyes and think hard enough, I can still smell the scent of warm Cinnabons wafting through the heavily perfumed entryway of Abercrombie and Fitch, while a friend and I try to decide on which matching polos we’re going to buy for the upcoming weekend’s JV basketball game (pause for more mental wincing). I can remember as a kid being able to put away 2 or 3 Cinnabons in a day (assuming I had saved enough babysitting money to purchase that many) with little to no effort. There’s something super nostalgic about those flavors for me and while I have yet to find a recipe that comes close to those gooey, giant rolls we all know and love, I’m still really OK with logging the man hours required to whip up those hot little buns. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a grown up cinnamon roll: hazelnut cinnamon rolls

The recipe for this dough is adapted from The Pioneer Woman, and if you know ANYTHING about her, it’s that she makes ridiculously awesome breakfast rolls. This dough is buttery, soft, and the perfect platform for a a variety of fillings and toppings. My take on her rolls is prepared with a crunchy hazelnut filling that is sweetened with brown sugar and warmly scented with cinnamon. Instead of cutting smaller, shorter rolls, these buns are closer in size to a traditional Cinnabon: large and in charge. Once risen and baked, they’re topped with a sweet, cream cheese glaze that can easily be thickened or thinned out according to your preference.

I’ve also prepared this dough into a hazelnut cinnamon roll cake by rolling 2″ strips of dough into one giant cinnamon roll that I let rise and cook in an 8″ springform pan. If you get ambitious, I highly recommend it. A great tutorial for this method can be found here.

If you’re wanting to go even more next level, I would totally try out a Nutella cream cheese glaze. Whisk a couple of tablespoons of Nutella into the cream cheese and butter and thin out with milk as needed. YUM. If you try this, you better send me one in the mail because I’m dying to taste it.

Give hazelnut cinnamon rolls a try and proudly re-live your version of Throwback Thursday. If you need me, I’ll be attempting to recall my original choreography to Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants.” Don’t judge.

Hazelnut Cinnamon Rolls

Print Recipe

These hazelnut cinnamon rolls have a sweet, buttery dough, with a crunchy hazelnut and cinnamon brown sugar filling.

Author: Kate Wood
Prep Time: 90
Cook Time: 60
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough

2 cups (480 mL) milk (whole or 2%)
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick, 85 gm)) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (100 gm) granulated sugar
2–1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
4–1/2 cups (540 gm) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling

1/2 cup (60 gm) hazelnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup (100 gm) brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 gm) sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick, 110 gm)) unsalted butter, softened

For the glaze

4 ounces (110 gm) cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons (55 gm) butter, room temperature
2 cups (250 gm) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons (30 mL) of milk or cream, plus more as desired

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Instructions

To prepare the rolls

In a large pot, combine the milk, butter, and sugar over medium heat and allow to warm just before the milk is scalding. Remove from burner and allow to cool until luke warm. Add the yeast and allow to dissolve, about 2 minutes.
Add 3-1/2 cups of the flour to the milk mixture and stir to combine. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel and allow to rest and rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If your dough hasn’t doubled in size within that hour, place the dough in a slightly warmer spot of the kitchen.
Combine the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and add to the risen dough. Stir to combine. At this point, you can refrigerate the dough overnight or roll out to use immediately. If you decide to save it, punch dough down into bowl if it over-rises.
Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to a 12×14″ rectangle. Combine the hazelnuts, brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread softened butter out across the dough , leaving a 1/2 inch border around the sides. Evenly sprinkle the hazelnut mixture over the dough.
With one of the long ends closest to you, begin to roll the dough away from you, pinching the dough together at the end to seal your roll. Trim off any shaggy ends (no more than 1 inch) Using a sharp knife, cut 8 equal slices buns from your log of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Space out buns on a large sheet pan and cover again with a sheet of plastic wrap or a tea towel. Allow to rise for 25-30 minutes, or until buns are puffed and rounded. Bake in the oven until buns are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool on pan for 10-15 minutes and then top with glaze.

To prepare the glaze

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, beating until evenly combined. Add milk slowly, 1-1/2 teaspoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Add extra liquid to thin out frosting to a drizzling glaze.

Recipe Adapted From: The Pioneer Woman