Hazelnuts And Cheese: A Match Made In Heaven

Hazelnuts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. They are often paired with chocolate, as in cookies, cakes, and cheesecakes, but they can also add flavour and texture to salads, pasta dishes, and even main courses like swordfish or chicken. In terms of cheese, hazelnuts are commonly paired with soft cheeses like brie and goat's cheese, as well as blue cheese and parmesan. For those looking for a vegan option, hazelnut cheese can be made at home.

Hazelnut and cheese salads

Hazelnuts and cheese are a delicious combination and can be used in many sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for hazelnut and cheese salads:

Hazelnut, Cheese, and Tomato Salad

This salad is a delightful combination of juicy tomatoes, leafy greens, blue cheese, and candied hazelnuts. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the tanginess of the blue cheese are complemented by the crunchy, buttery hazelnuts. To elevate this dish further, add a ginger balsamic vinaigrette and stove-top croutons.

Hazelnut, Cheese, and Pear Salad

Try a refreshing salad with pears, crumbled goat cheese, and hazelnuts. The sweetness of the pears and the creaminess of the cheese are balanced by the crunchy hazelnuts. Add some mixed greens and a light vinaigrette dressing to tie all the flavours together.

Hazelnut, Cheese, and Beetroot Dip

Create a vibrant and flavourful salad with beetroot, goat cheese, and hazelnuts. The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs well with the tangy cheese and the nutty, buttery flavour of hazelnuts. Add some mixed greens and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.

Hazelnut, Cheese, and Apple Salad

Combine crisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and hazelnuts for a sweet and savoury salad. The sweetness of the apples and the saltiness of the cheddar are enhanced by the rich, buttery flavour of the hazelnuts. Add some mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to round off the dish.

Hazelnut, Cheese, and Vegetable Salad

For a heartier option, create a roasted vegetable salad with carrots, beets, or zucchini, and pair it with crumbled feta or goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts. The combination of roasted vegetables, creamy cheese, and crunchy hazelnuts makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.

These salad suggestions showcase the versatility of hazelnuts and cheese, offering a range of flavour profiles and textures that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Hazelnut and chocolate desserts

Hazelnuts and chocolate are a heavenly combination, and there are endless dessert possibilities. Here are some ideas for hazelnut and chocolate desserts:

Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts and Cakes

The classic combination of hazelnuts and chocolate can be used to create a range of tarts and cakes. For a fancy yet simple dessert, try a no-bake chocolate hazelnut tart with a silky, creamy chocolate filling. If you're after something more decadent, a Ferrero Rocher cake is a showstopper. It features a silky Nutella mousseline cream and moist chocolate hazelnut sponges. Alternatively, a simple store-cupboard chocolate cake can be elevated by using ground hazelnuts for incredible texture and flavour.

Chocolate Hazelnut Confectionery and Baked Goods

For a bite-sized treat, chocolate hazelnut macarons, made with hazelnut flour, are a versatile and delicious option. You can also make your own homemade bonbons with just a few ingredients, or try Nutella puff pastry twists for a quick, buttery, and crunchy dessert. For a more substantial dessert, there are chocolate hazelnut brownies, chocolate hazelnut pear cake, and chocolate hazelnut crunch truffles.

Chocolate Hazelnut Mousses and Cheesecakes

Chocolate and hazelnut also pair well with creamy, airy desserts. A chocolate hazelnut mousse is a light and fluffy option, while a no-bake chocolate hazelnut cheesecake is a rich and indulgent choice. To take it up a notch, try a chocolate hazelnut ice cream cheesecake.

Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta and Custard

For something a little different, hazelnuts can add a crunchy texture and flavour to creamy desserts like panna cotta and custard. A hazelnut panna cotta with a honey cocoa glaze is a cool and refreshing dessert, while Frangelico chocolate custard pots are thick and glossy.

Other Chocolate Hazelnut Desserts

The options don't end there! You can also try a chocolate hazelnut aero, chocolate hazelnut ice cream, chocolate hazelnut pear cake, or hazelnut praline choux buns. For a French twist, Paris Brest is a circular choux pastry filled with a silky hazelnut praline crème mousseline. Or, for a boozy kick, a Frangelico chocolate hazelnut tiramisu combines the classic Italian dessert with a hazelnut twist.

Savoury hazelnut sauces

Hazelnuts can be used in a variety of savoury sauces, adding depth of flavour and a pleasant crunch to your dishes. Here are some ideas for savoury hazelnut sauces:

Hazelnut Miso Sauce

This sauce is a delicious combination of nutty, salty, sweet, and umami flavours. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled swordfish, shallots, and radishes. The swordfish steaks are simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper before being dressed with the hazelnut miso sauce.

Parsley-Lemon-Hazelnut Sauce

This sauce is described as a nutty gremolata and is a perfect accompaniment to flattened chicken and grilled romaine. The parsley and lemon add freshness and brightness to the sauce, while the hazelnuts provide a crunchy texture and earthy flavour.

Hazelnut Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is a textured sauce originating from Spain, typically made with roasted red bell peppers or nyora peppers. To elevate this sauce, add some hazelnuts for a nutty twist. This sauce is versatile and can be spread on toast, folded into pasta, or mixed into roasted vegetables.

Parsley and Hazelnut Pesto

A classic basil pesto can be elevated by substituting or adding hazelnuts. This pesto can be used as a sauce for pasta or as a condiment for dipping bread. The hazelnuts add a unique flavour and texture to the traditional pesto.

Hazelnut Crust Sauce

For a unique and crunchy crust, blend hazelnuts and mix them with breadcrumbs. This crust can be used to coat fish, such as tilapia, or other proteins. The hazelnuts add a buttery and earthy flavour to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Hazelnut-based vegan cheeses

There are a variety of vegan cheeses that incorporate hazelnuts, which can be easily made at home. Here are some recipes and tips to get you started:

Hazelnut Cheese

This "dairy" product can be made using just four ingredients and is creamy, soft, and spreadable. Here's what you'll need:

• Peeled hazelnuts
• Agar agar
• Soy lecithin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

• Soak the hazelnuts overnight.
• Rinse and process the hazelnuts in a food processor until they are completely pulverized.
• Add soy lecithin, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
• Boil 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan and add the agar agar. Stir for 3-5 minutes until dissolved.
• Pour the agar agar over the hazelnut paste and mix well until a homogeneous paste is formed.
• Pour the mixture into a mold of your choice and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Hazelnut Encrusted "Cheese" Melt

This recipe is a fun twist on traditional cheese melts, using vegan cream cheese and a hazelnut coating. It's perfect served on a bed of rocket leaves with a dollop of blackcurrant or lingonberry jam. Here's what you'll need:

• Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
• Vegan cream cheese (such as Tofutti)
• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic
• Fresh chives
• Ground cashews
• Chopped hazelnuts
• Cornflour

Preparation:

• Preheat oil in a wok or deep fryer to a medium temperature of 150-175° C (300-350° F).
• Mix cornflour and hazelnuts in a bowl or on a plate and set aside.
• Combine vegan cream cheese, nutritional yeast, cashews, garlic, salt, and chives in a small bowl.
• Spoon heaped tablespoons of the mixture and roll them in the hazelnut mixture to coat. Flatten slightly into disc shapes.
• Fry the coated cheeses in the hot oil for about a minute or two until lightly browned.
• Serve hot on a salad or on its own.

Hazelnut-crusted fish

A delicious, crunchy, and nutty way to prepare fish, hazelnut-crusted fish is an elegant dish perfect for a romantic meal for two or a dinner party. This recipe uses halibut, but you can also use other white fish like tilapia or snapper.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) halibut portions, skinned
• 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed (optional)
• Cooking spray
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 4 lemon wedges

Side Dish: Roasted Red Potatoes

• 1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooking spray

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with foil coated in cooking spray.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
• Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and fork-tender. Sprinkle with parsley and set aside.
• Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Brush the tops of the halibut fillets with egg white and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Encrust the top of the fillets with the chopped hazelnuts and gently press to adhere.
• Place the fish, hazelnut-side down, in the pan and cook for 3 minutes or until browned. Flip and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
• Serve the fish with the roasted red potatoes and a wedge of lemon.

Variations and Tips:

• You can also use other types of white fish like tilapia or snapper.
• For extra flavour, add some sliced garlic cloves to the skillet when cooking the fish.
• If you want a healthier option, bake the fish in the oven instead of frying.
• For a more indulgent dish, serve the fish with creamy garlic mashed potato.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought hazelnut flour instead of chopping whole hazelnuts.
• For a vegan option, try making your own hazelnut cheese to spread on the fish before encrusting.

Frequently asked questions