BLACK AND WHITE WEDNESDAY #153 - HAZELNUTS: KERNELS OF JOY

Hazelnuts are very common at British Neolithic sites, being probably the most frequently represented of the "other plants" mentioned by Whittle. Nutshell fragments are often not counted but are just mentioned as being rare or numerous, and in such instances we record "few", "some" or "many"...
- Sue Colledge and James Conolly, The Origins and Spread of Domestic Plants in Southwest Asian and Europe

This picture was submitted to "Black & White Wednesday", an event created by Susan at "The Well-Seasoned Cook". This week it is hosted by Lynne at "Cafe Lynnylu" (click here in order to see who is hosting the next roundup).

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Corylus avellana. A word that sounds like music to the ears. Also know as hazelnut, cobnut or filbert, this little fruit full of promise, and ancient symbol of peace and health is a kernel of joy and a gourmet's best friend.

Rare are the people who don't like hazelnuts and it is quite understandable as they are extremely versatile, wholesome and a wide variety of desserts, confectioneries as well as savory dishes can be prepared with them. From gianduja and cakes to spice mixes, condiments, soups and salads, there are large quantities of recipes that employ this delicacy.

Whether this nutritious nut is eaten raw or roasted, taste is always at the rendez-vous. The elegant, luxurious, earthy, sweet and buttery aroma of hazelnuts is quite addictive and intoxicating (especially when they have been toasted), and just like cocoa, its preferred partner in crime, not only are they good for the body, but also for the soul.

Hazelnuts have a very distinctive flavor and that's why they are highly regarded by pastry chefs and cook all around the world. They pair beautifully with dried and fresh fruits, mushrooms, root vegetables, bread, pasta, legumes, fish, meat, cheese, wine, spirits, and more particularly with chocolate (the Holy Grail!) for which this culinary hero has a particular affinity.

Their popularity is universal and many countries have been cultivating orchards since centuries. Hence, hazelnuts are rooted deep in our food culture and their use is widespread.

In Switzerland, we love to bake with those fragrant nuts and we have an abundance of hazelnut-based treats (cookies, tarts, cakes, chocolate bars, etc...). Around Christmas time, stores sell gargantuesque quantities of whole and ground hazelnuts and Swiss people enjoy preparing traditional hazelnut "biscuits de Noël/Weihnachtsguetzli" such as "Berner Hasselnussleckerli (Leckerli Bernese-Style)", "Hasselnussrollen (Hazelnut Rolls)", "Hasselnussmakronen (Hazelnut Macaroons)" and "Totenbeinli (Leg Of The Dead Cookies)" with their family and friends...

As I'm sure you are now craving hazelutty foods by now, I thought that you might be interested in the recipes I have decided to share with you today. Some of them could even come in handy during this festive season. Enjoy!

- Old House In Chur, Switzerland -

My Hazelnut Recipes
. Apple Tart With Hazelnut Frangipani (link)
. Beetroot And Orange Salad (link)
. Chocolate Ganache-Glazed Hazelnut Cake (link)
. Cornflake Terrine (link)
. Hazelnut Date Truffles (link)
. Hazelnut Meringue Clusters (link)
. Hazelnut Nougatine (link)

Great Hazelnut Recipes Found On The Net
. Baci Di Dama (Food 52)
. Baked Apples With Hazelnuts, Maple Cream and Crème Fraîche (Yummy Supper)
. Bread Pudding Cake (Juls' Kitchen)
. Butternut Squash Ravili With Oregano-Hazelnut Pesto (Saveur)
. Cauliflower With Brown Butter, Pears, Sage And Hazelnuts (Fine Cooking)
. Celery, Blue Cheese And Hazelnut Slad (Simply Recipes)
. Espresso And Chocolate-Hazelnut  Swirl Ice Cream With Coffee Tuiles (Lisa Is Cooking)
. Fig, Halloumi And Hazelnut Salad (Cooksister)
. Hazelnut Fruit Cake (Good Food)
. Hazelnut Meringue Cake With Berries (Life's A Feast)
. Individual Hazelnut And Chocolate Clafoutis (Jamie Oliver)
. Mini Piedmontois (Almond Corner)
. Orechiette With Squash, Chiles And Hazelnuts (Bon Appétit)
. Quinoa Salad With Hazelnuts, Apple And Dried Cranberries (Food 52)
. Shredded Brussel Sprouts With Bacon And Hazelnuts (Cooking Light)
. Swiss/Berner Hasselnussleckerli (Sweet Artichoke)
. Swiss/Bernese Hazelnut Tart (Vagabond Baker)
. Swiss Dairy-Free Hazelnut Crescent Rolls (Dairy Free Switzerland)
. Swiss Totenbeinli (Linno-Yum)
. Torta Di Nocciole (Domenica Cooks)