Hazelnut-studded Gianduia Brownies, dense and moist. When a flavor combination is right, the entire palate seems to come alive with sweet satisfaction. That is the effect of these brownies at first bite. Brownies lifted from pan by their parchment. Not your ordinary walnuts in these brownies. Instead, roasted, peeled hazelnuts and a bit of Nutella (a hazelnut-chocolate spread), enhance the nuttiness. Both bittersweet chocolate and milk chocolate add to the depth of flavor. I did a double-take as I bit in. These weren't what I expected, but in a good way. They take brownies to a new level. In the interest of full disclosure, these are not cake-like in texture. They are dense brownies, my personal preference, and are best topped with your favorite vanilla ice cream. Go ahead and add some brandy or a favorite liqueur, too. The flavor holds up to it. Hazelnuts, roasted and peeled enough. We don't need to get crazy about those skins. I admit the hazelnut proc...
I began this blog when my mother was ill and needed enough of my attention that I could not concentrate on longer-form works I wanted to write. I set those aside to distract myself with cookie-making and this blog. Please find my new blog (2020) entitled "Time NOT Lost" at karenbrattesani.blogspot.com, where I explore the behavior I see around me -- both my own and that of others -- and what it says about our changing culture during the coronavirus pandemic. And, I hope, beyond.