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Chocolate and Hazelnut Roll for Snack Time

17/11/2023

The chocolate and hazelnut roll is a indulgent dessert that recalls the flavors of Piedmontese tradition, particularly through the use of hazelnuts, a key local ingredient. Here’s how to make a delicious one.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium eggs
  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 60 g 00 flour
  • 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 200 ml whipping cream
  • 150 g finely chopped hazelnuts
  • 100 g dark chocolate
  • Powdered sugar to taste for decoration

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Separate the yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks with half the sugar until you get a light and fluffy mixture.

  3. Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt, adding the remaining sugar little by little until you get a glossy and stable meringue.

  4. Gently fold the whipped whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula and bottom-to-top movements to avoid deflating the mixture.

  5. Sift the flour and cocoa powder and incorporate them into the batter with the same care.

  6. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it with a spatula, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Meanwhile, whip the cream (which must be very cold) and finely chop the hazelnuts.

  8. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, letting it cool slightly.

  9. Once the cocoa sponge cake is baked, turn it out onto a damp cloth and remove the parchment paper. Roll the sponge cake in the cloth and let it cool like this for at least 10 minutes.

  10. Gently unroll the sponge cake, spread the whipped cream on it, distribute the melted chocolate, and sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts.

  11. Roll the filled sponge cake again using the cloth and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

  12. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness and decoration.

Curiosity

In the Piedmont region, particularly in the areas of Alba and the Langhe, hazelnuts are the stars of many sweet preparations, including the famous gianduiotto, a praline of dark chocolate and chopped hazelnuts, which has the shape of a small overturned boat. The roll you have prepared is inspired by the flavors of these delicacies. Enjoy!