Alternative:Hazelnut

Hazelnuts

| Ingredients  | Nut

Hazelnuts are the nut of the common hazel. They are often used in desserts in combination with chocolate.

How to Skin and Roast Hazelnuts

1. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to 2 cups boiling water;
2. Add the nuts and blanch for 10 minutes. The baking soda neutralizes the acid skins, which can then be removed easily.
3. Drain the nuts in a sieve and rinse with cold water.
4. Place the nuts in a container of cold water.
5. Remove the skins under running water and place peeled nuts in the sieve over a container.
6. When all the nuts are peeled, dry them off by patting handfuls in paper towels.
7. Salt the nuts to taste while still damp (optional).
8. To roast the hazelnuts, place skinned nuts on a baking sheet in a 275ºF oven for 20 - 30 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes.

To help slough off the skins after the hot and cold water process, rub between terry towels.