Hazelnut Melting Moments

Hazelnuts grow on hazel trees, which are found in the temperate zones of the world. Also known in the United States as filberts, these round nuts have a somewhat bitter brown skin. When hazelnuts are toasted, this skin cracks and can be removed.

* If desired, hazelnuts can be toasted before they´re ground. To toast hazelnuts, spread on cookie sheet; bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until skins crack, stirring occasionally. If desired, remove skins. ** If chocolate mixture begins to thicken, warm over low heat.

Hazelnuts (Filberts) Hazelnuts or filberts are sweet, rich, grape-sized nuts. These nuts have a bitter brown skin that is best removed by heating them at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes until the skin begins to crack and flake. Place a handful of warm nuts between layers of a clean dish towel and rub vigouously to remove the skins. Hazelnuts are usually packaged whole. They are used whole, chopped or ground in all manner of sweets, and for texture and flavor in some main dishes and salads.