Cocoa Dusted Hazel-Nuggets

We call my little guy the “Love Nugget.”  My friend Angie came up with this name and it stuck.  My son is 3 and when he is in a good mood life is grand for all.  He is a true Love Nugget.  He’s got a smile that brightens up my day…..always.  These Cocoa Dusted Hazel-Nuggets are perfect to share with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

I missed Nutella Day.   This foodie blogger holiday blew right by me.  I just added it to my iCal for next February 5th.  I can’t believe I am thinking ahead to 2011 as thoughts of chocolate and hazelnuts dance through my head.  I didn’t realize that Nutella Day is like celebrating a major holiday in the world of food bloggers.  I get it, I really do.  It’s as if I had my head buried in the snow (which I kinda did the past few weeks.)

I launched my blog last June, that gives me a bit of leeway to learn the ins and outs of the food blog calendar.  There are so many parties, events and outings to keep track of in the world of food.   I might not know who is playing in the Super Bowl, but I do attempt to keep a firm grasp on what is going on in the world of food….good food….GREAT food!!  As a matter of fact, I am all signed up for BlogHer Food in SF this October.  I can’t wait to meet the wonderful new friends I have made online…..

So the calendar is marked….for Nutella day and BlogHer Food.

In the mean time perhaps we can put these Cocoa Dusted Chocolate Hazel-Nuggets on the calander for Valentine’s day?

Fresh Benefits

You didn’t think I would leave you hanging without some sort of health benefit thrown in here!

Hazelnuts

• A great source of healthy fats.
• Suitable for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters.
• A great grab and go snack/mini-meal.
• Versatile.  You can grind hazelnuts and use them to replace traditional flour “breading.”  Instead of almond meal you can grind up hazelnuts and use them in my Skinny Almond Crusted Chicken Strips.  Hazelnuts can top salads and can be eaten out of your hand.  They can be ground into Hazelnut Butter.

Health Benefits:  Hazelnuts

Eating nuts mindfully and with portion control can be a great addition of healthy fats to you balanced diet.  Nuts are rich in fiber, omega-3′s, antioxidants, phytonutrients and they play a role in good cardiovascular health.  To read more about the health benefits of hazelnuts click the following links:

Holistic Nutrition: Hazelnuts for Health

HealthCastle: Hazelnuts for Health

Cocoa Dusted Hazel-Nuggets

• I say go “Big Batch” here, the more Cocoa Dusted Hazel-Nuggets you have the better!  This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
• Source Organic ingredients when available
• Shop for ingredients at the Family Fresh Cooking Amazon Store
• As always, use your own taste buds to determine how you want to season your Hazel-Nuggets.  My ingredient lists are wide open for interpretation! I would love to hear your version.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Hazelnuts: Soak for 1 hour in warm water and peel off skins if you want to, I did
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Orange Extract (You can omit or use Coffee or Coconut Extract here too!)
• 2 tbs Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 Egg White
• 1/4 cup Agave Syrup, or Maple Syrup
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• Add the following to a bowl, combine & set aside:
• 2 tbs Sweetened Cocoa Powder -or-
• 2 tsp Stevia Powder & 2 tbs Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

METHOD

1. Pre heat oven to 275˚F
2. Line a baking sheet w/Silpat or parchment
3. Whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
4. Stir to combine hazelnuts in mixture, toss well to coat evenly.
5. Place coated hazelnuts on lined baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.  Watch carefully towards the end so they do not burn.
7. Take hazelnuts out of the oven, let them cool.
8. Toss nuts in bowl with cocoa powder until well dusted.
9. Store in an airtight container.
10. Enjoy your Hazel-Nuggets!

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Fresh Variations

• Use your Cocoa Dusted Hazel Nuggets to top your Oat Bowl.
• Spread a handful over your Thick Greek Yogurt parfait.
• Don’t have Hazelnuts, try this recipe with almonds instead.
  
  
  

Tagged as: agave syrup, chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnuts, health benefits of nuts, healthy fat, Nutella Day, orange extract, Valentine's Day, vanilla extract