I’m not really sure what to call this spread because it can be so many things. It’s hands down my favorite spread for matzoh, it’s great for the cream in my meringue sandwich cookies, and it works well as an icing for my mother’s delicious chocolate torte. We included a sponge cake recipe here for a fabulous combination.
1 1/2 heaping cups hazelnuts, preferably skinned (about 8 oz/ 225 g)
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp oil
1 lb (450 g) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 Tbsp unsalted butter or margarine, cut into 1-inch (2 1/2-cm) pieces, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream or pareve whipping cream
3/4 tsp kosher salt
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Spread out nuts on a lined, rimmed baking sheet. Roast, shaking sheet once for even toasting, until deep brown, about 13–15 minutes. Let cool completely. (If nuts have skins, rub them vigorously in a kitchen towel to remove.)
Grind hazelnuts and sugar in a food processor along with the oil until a fairly smooth, buttery paste forms, about 1 minute. Set aside. Place chocolate in a medium-sized metal bowl. Set bowl over a pot of simmering water;
stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat; add butter or margarine, and whisk until completely incorporated. Whisk in remaining ingredients, including the hazelnut mixture.
Pour into clean glass jars, dividing equally. Let cool. (Paste will thicken and become soft and peanut-buttery as it cools.) Screw on lids. Use as spread for my Chocolate Fleck Cake, or as desired.
Note
The spread be made up to 1 month ahead; keep in a cool, dark place or refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature for 4 hours to soften. It can stand at room temperature for up to 4 days. If the consistency is still stiff when brought to room temperature, you can microwave for 10 seconds. To use for cake, make sure to spread it while it is at room temperature.
For homemade meringue sandwich cookies, make your favorite meringue recipe and spread a bit between two cookies. Store at room temperature.
This recipe originally appeared in Mishpacha Magazine.
