Hazelnut chocolate ‘kisses’
Here's another very well known commercial classic, loved by all! Hazelnut chocolate ‘kisses’, or ‘Baci’ – and you can make them at home. In this recipe you will find everything you need to know about cooking them and, at Christmas time, we have decided to suggest a very successful housewife-friendly version. They can be a great idea for a Christmas present, or to keep at home to offer to your house guests, maybe served with a lovely cup of tea or coffee. They’re a wonderful snack, full of intense flavours – or maybe you want to make them simply because you have a sweet tooth and like snacking on delicious titbits that appeal to all ages! It will be a breeze to make these delicious hazelnut ‘kisses’: just follow our recipe and look at the photos - they clearly explain all the steps you need to take. Get some excellent dark chocolate and fragrant hazelnuts, and get to work immediately!
Ingredients
Filling
Decoration
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Heat the cream in a small saucepan. Finely chop the chocolate and add to the cream, stirring until it is completely melted. Add the chopped nuts, stir and let it solidify in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Prepare the chocolate covering by melting the dark chocolate in a bain marie. Make little balls with the solid chocolate mixture and put a whole nut in the centre of each ball. Skewer these little chocolate nut balls with a toothpick and dip them in the melted dark chocolate. Remove the toothpicks and let them harden on a wire rack.
Step by step
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Make little balls with the solid chocolate mixture and put a whole nut in the centre of each ball. Skewer these little chocolate nut balls with a toothpick and dip them in the melted dark chocolate.
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Remove the toothpicks and let the melted chocolate set by leaving them on a wire rack
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Your chocolate nut ‘kisses’ are ready!
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Additional information
Hazelnut Kisses with Milk Chocolate
Hazelnut Kisses can also be prepared with milk chocolate, for a sweeter and creamier result. In this variant, the milk chocolate melts with the cream, creating a rich and enveloping ganache. The hazelnuts remain a fundamental element, as they provide crunchiness and a toasted flavor that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the chocolate. To make them, follow the same procedure, replacing dark chocolate with milk chocolate. Let them rest in the refrigerator and then shape your balls, filling them with a whole hazelnut. This sweet will be perfect for those who love more delicate and less bitter flavors.
Hazelnut Kisses Umbrian Style
The recipe for Hazelnut Kisses has its roots in Umbria, a region famous for the quality of its hazelnuts. In this regional variant, you can also add flavors like rosemary or cinnamon to give an extra touch to the filling. Moreover, the Umbrian tradition often pairs desserts with a good local sweet wine, making the dessert moment even more special. The preparation remains similar, but the use of typical ingredients from the area enriches the final flavor, making every bite a small journey into Umbrian culinary tradition.
Light Hazelnut Kisses without Cream
For those who wish to enjoy Hazelnut Kisses in a lighter version, it is possible to make them without cream. By using only dark chocolate and hazelnuts, you can create deliciously healthy balls, perfect for those on a low-calorie diet. By replacing the cream with a bit of hot water or plant-based milk, you achieve a soft consistency but with fewer calories. This variant is also ideal for those who are lactose intolerant, still ensuring an intense and engaging flavor. Remember to use high-quality dark chocolate to get the most out of the taste without compromising health.
Benefits of Hazelnuts in Hazelnut Kisses and Approximate Calories
Hazelnuts, the main ingredient in Hazelnut Kisses, are a superfood rich in nutrients. These nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and are an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, hazelnuts provide essential minerals like magnesium and copper, contributing to overall well-being. In terms of calories, each Hazelnut Kiss contains about 70-80 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. It is important to enjoy them in moderation to reap their benefits without overdoing the calories.
Can Hazelnut Kisses be Frozen?
Yes, Hazelnut Kisses can be frozen without any problems. It is advisable to let them cool completely after preparation and then place them in an airtight container or food bags. This way, they will stay fresh and tasty for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. It is important to avoid thawing them in the microwave, as the chocolate may melt and lose its perfect consistency. With this simple trick, you can always have a delicious treat on hand for any occasion.