Healthy Hazelnut Spread

Move over processed chocolate spreads, hello homemade hazelnut goodness. Store-bought chocolate hazelnut spreads have been household staples for a long time, given their umami taste and versatility. However, if you're becoming more conscientious about your food choices, we can suggest a more healthy alternative! And... you don’t have to give up a childhood favourite on behalf of cleaner eating habits.

This healthy hazelnut spread is perfect for anytime that sweet tooth kicks in, without the guilt! Tastes great with sweet biscuits, croissants, crepes, and fruit, slathered on a piece of toast or in baking recipes. This spread also makes for a great gifting idea – everyone knows homemade gifts are more meaningful and make others feel extra special, since you took the time to make them yourself.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups raw hazelnuts
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 cup of Cacao & Honey
• 1/4 cup of Cacao (optional, if you like a little more chocolaty flavour)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the hazelnuts on a pan and bake for 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Be sure to shake the pan once, about halfway through. 
3. When they're golden, remove them from the oven and take a piece of cloth to the hazelnuts to rub the skin off; this ensures the spread will be nice and smooth.
4. Next, in a food processor, add together all of the ingredients and blend on high for 4-5 minutes, stirring once through. If the spread is still not smooth enough, you can add extra coconut milk or coconut oil.
5. This spread will keep well in the fridge in one of our reusable mason jars, or place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Makes two 350g jars, one for you and one for a friend.