I first experienced the combination of hazelnut purée and dark honey at Slow Foods' cheese festival in Italy. The Piedmont region of Italy is known for its hazelnuts. You can find the most succulent rich hazelnut cakes and cookies. My favorite hazelnut concoction was hazelnut purée and dark honey. My first taste on toast brought about a dionysian state of gastronomical enchantment. The sweet nutty flavors and intensely smooth creamy buttery texture were all so overwhelmingly perfect!
When I returned from my trip, I looked all over NY for another hazelnut and honey mixture. And, I was surprised by the many shops that carried this delicious treat. Recently, Time Out New York had an article about one in particular from southern France called Avelline. This was probably my favorite one that I tried.
How does one enjoy hazelnut purée and dark honey?
Besides eating it plain on toast, you can use it as a condiment with cheese. I suggest you pair it with Montgomery's farmhouse cheddar or Stilton Colston Bassett. You can even pair it with a variety of nutty pecorinos.
Second Helping of Slashfood - June 19
Competitive-Eating Contest to Pit Humans Against Elephants
The Backyard Boom - The Hungry Bride
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-08-2008 @ 4:10PM
Charlie said...
Is there a way to purchase it online? A google search provided fruitless. I am sure someone in SF carries it, but that would take a lot of hunting & pecking!
Reply
8-08-2008 @ 4:11PM
Charlie said...
Is there a way to purchase it online? A google search provided fruitless. I am sure someone in SF carries it, but that would take a lot of hunting & pecking!
Reply
8-08-2008 @ 6:57PM
Emily said...
This sounds vaguely similar to Nutella, that kid-friendly European concoction of hazelnut "butter" and chocolate (probably mostly chocolate), that we used to eat when I lived in France as a kid. Great on toast or even on crackers...but occasionally we'd grab spoons and just have a few scoops right out of the jar! A guilty pleasure I admit, but it's hazelnuts, so it's not REALLY junk food.
This incarnation of nutty-and-sweet, with honey instead of chocolate, seems to be geared more towards grown-ups, although I bet kids would still enjoy it...Wish I could try some!
Reply
8-08-2008 @ 10:06PM
jl said...
Try this link to purchase online....
http://www.formaggiokitchen.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22_121&products_id=444
Reply