Homemade Cocoa-Hazelnut Spread

Smooth, creamy, and oh-so indulgent

Ingredients

2 cups hazelnuts

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/3 cup sweetener of choice

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons oil of choice

Directions

❶ Position rack in center of oven and preheat to

350°F. Place hazelnuts in single layer on baking

tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they brown

lightly. Remove tray at 5-minute mark and give

nuts a toss for even browning. Let nuts cool for

10 minutes before proceeding. Place hazelnuts on

kitchen towel and rub vigorously with hands to

help loosen skin. If some of the skin doesn’t come

off, that’s okay.

❷ In a powerful blender or food

processor, blend nuts until a smooth, glossy paste

forms. Time varies greatly depending on size and

power of your machine; it could take up to 20 minutes

in a food processor. Let machine rest if motor gets

too hot.

❸ Add vanilla, cocoa powder, sweetener,

and salt. Let food processor run for 1½ to 2 minutes

while you slowly drizzle in oil through food

processor opening.

❹ Spread will be runny when

you stop machine but will thicken as it cools.