Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nuts and seeds are an important component of a plant based vegan diet and one of the nuts that we grow on the GoMacro farm is the American Hazelnut (Corylus Americana). We grow it because it reduces soil erosion, sequesters carbon and is a great wildlife habitat loved by squirrels, woodpeckers, turkey and grouse as well as many insects. In fact the American Hazelnut is a host plant to the caterpillar of the beautiful Luna Moth.
Although smaller than the popular Turkish hazelnut it has an excellent taste and ongoing research will perhaps make the US more competitive. It is also an important source of mono-unsaturated heart-friendly fatty acids as well as many vitamins and minerals.
When I think of Hazelnuts I think of Nutella – Europe’s and probably the world’s favorite spread. It is easy to make your own delicious version. It is not only healthier but also gluten free and vegan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups hazelnuts
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A sprinkle of sea salt
- Coconut oil, as needed
Directions
