Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread Renee Naturally
Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread, Renee Naturally
Posted by Renée Leonard-Stainton on 23 May 2012 - 11:11am

Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread

Akin to the family favorite ‘Nutella’, but without the added sugar (in ‘the real deal’ cane sugar is the main ingredient…before even hazelnuts!). Medjool dates provide the rich, natural sweetness in this whole food spread, and with such a simple list of ingredients, it’s super easy to whip up. Just as well, as this is decidedly more-ish!  A truly nutritious spread…for adults and kiddies alike.                      

Method
  • Pit dates (if not pre-done) and then in a bowl, pour boiling water over them and allow to soak for 20 minutes
  • Heat oven to 180°. Place hazelnuts on baking tray and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes
  • Grab small handfuls of nuts and rub between your hands to remove the skins of the nuts. Don’t worry if there are still specks of brown… pfffft perfectionists!
  • Place nuts in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the dates and remaining water
  • Add vanilla, salt, cocoa and oil. Whizz until smooth
  • Add extra oil or agave syrup to get a smoother/sweeter consitency if desired
Ingredients
Serves 25
  • 1 cup of hazelnuts
  • 1 cup of dates (I prefer medjool)
  • ½ cup of boiling water
  • 1/2 cup of cocoa
  • ½ teaspoon of sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon of grapeseed oil
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
Nutrition Bite

Hazelnuts - Although small in size, hazelnuts pack a large amount of valuable nutrients. They’re a good source of fibre, calcium, thiamine, niacin and protein and contain a number of minerals including magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and potassium. They are also vitamin rich containing Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, E, and folate.

Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread, Renee Naturally
Comments
Zara Caulder - 23 May 2012 - 5:02pm

OMG - YUM!

Aisha - 24 May 2012 - 1:04pm

Really love the pictures on ur blog Renee. Thanx 4 sharing (found u on pinterest!)

Renée Leonard-Stainton - 24 May 2012 - 7:30pm

Happy to share, and I have a great team of who help me make the pics look pretty while I'm darting in and out of the kitchen! Gotta love Pinterest for finding new foodies to follow! x

Kat - 23 May 2012 - 7:07pm

Seems to be good to be true ha ha. love my Nutella, but I'm on a health kick so not buying it any more, which has been a bit weird/hard. But going to give this a go and hopefully fill the void!

Renée Leonard-Stainton - 24 May 2012 - 7:31pm

Nice work on the health kick! Hopefully you can find some other recipes that suit your plan on here. I may be totally biased, but I actually think it tastes better. It's richer, without being sickly sweet. x

Maree - 31 May 2012 - 11:07pm

OMG I can't believe I found this I have been in search for alternative to Nutella without the sugar. My kids love the stuff but I have deliberately stopped buying it because they would ask for every day. thank you

Renée Leonard-Stainton - 1 June 2012 - 10:51am

Hi Maree, awesome....happy to help! I hope they enjoy it...bonus of being quick to make and healthy means hopefully it keeps all happy! x

Amy - 1 December 2012 - 6:59am

Yummm! I am definitely going to have to make this! What type of bread did you use?

Renée Leonard-Stainton - 1 December 2012 - 9:56am

Hi Amy, awesome...so much healthier but just as more-ish ;) I used gluten free bread (the picture was taken in NZ...I think it was a Chia seed bread by the 'Liberty' brand) x

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