Hazelnut paste

A thick paste made from roasted and ground hazelnuts. You can make your own by toasting the nuts lightly in the oven. Allow the nuts to cool then grind in a food processor.

Sweetened Paste

For 1 cup of sweetened paste (nocciola) grind 2 cups of roasted nuts until it becomes the texture of cornmeal. Add 2 large egg whites, 1 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar and 1 teaspoon hazelnut liqueur and blend until smooth.

You can also purchase good quality hazelnut paste online.

See description for making your own. For an alternate flavor try pistachio paste or chestnut puree.