By Chris Perrin for SheKnows.com
Nutella… this creamy chocolaty goodness has devoted fans swooning over the mere mention of the word. A perfect marriage of rich chocolate and aromatic hazelnut, there are limitless ways to enjoy this deductible treat.
Here are 5 delightful ways to enjoy Nutella (other than eating it straight from the jar):
NUTELLA FROSTING
At first, Nutella frosting should be like a no-brainer; however, anyone who has tried to actually frost something with Nutella has probably noticed one small problem-Nutella is thick. It just doesn't spread well, especially over something delicate like cupcakes.
Fear not, Nutella fans, there is a solution. There are two ways that you can make Nutella spread more easily. The first is by mixing equal parts Nutella and regular frosting. The regular frosting should, in effect, dilute the Nutella enough that it will glide easily over a delicate baked good.
Not only that, but you can have fun with the frostings that you mix with the Nutella. You can always do plain chocolate, or you can try to mix nutty Nutella with fruity strawberry, flavorful coconut, or whatever your heart's content.
The other solution is to melt the Nutella slightly by putting it in a microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, stirring, and nuking again for another 30 to 40 seconds. This will definitely cause the Nutella to spread more easily and provides the most concentrated Nutella flavor.
>>Nutella Chocolate Cake with Cranberries and Pomegranates
NUTELLA TRUFFLES
Making truffles takes advantage of the fact that Nutella is so firm, much like chocolate ganache that has set. All you need to do to make truffles is form little balls of cold Nutella (refrigerate the container for 30 to 60 minutes before making the truffles) and roll them in your favorite coating: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coconut, crushed cookie pieces, etc.
>>National Nutella Day Recipes: A Whole Day of Nutella Recipes
NUTELLA CHEESECAKE
Got a favorite cheesecake recipe? Why not make it a chocolaty Nutella cheesecake by melting a cup of Nutella in the microwave? To do this, put the Nutella in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, stir, microwave again for 30 to 40 seconds, stir, etc., until the Nutella has the consistency of chocolate syrup (note: this is far more liquid than what you would do for frosting, which can remain relatively thick). Pour the melted Nutella into the cheesecake batter, or on top of the cheesecake before baking.
>>Nutella Ravioli
NUTELLA CHOCOLATE MARTINI
Have some melted Nutella left over? Rim a martini glass with Nutella and then pour a tablespoon of melted Nutella, a shot of vodka, a shot of chocolate liqueur, and a tablespoon of heavy cream into a shaker; shake; pour into the glass and top with a drizzle of melted Nutella.
>>Nutella Banana Bread
NUTELLA ICE CREAM SURPRISE
Ice cream cones are great, Nutella ice cream cones are even better. Pour some melted Nutella into the bottom of an ice cream cone, add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle a bit more Nutella over the ice cream. Eat and enjoy.
More dessert ideas from SheKnows.com:
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