I can’t remember ever seeing a hazelnut tree in my home state of California. Almonds and walnuts were everywhere, but no hazelnuts. Here in the Campania region of Italy, I’m surrounded by hazelnut trees, literally - there are four trees on my land that produce in abundance. My dogs used to love to snack on them as they dropped from the tree. I was lucky if I got enough to snack on.

Confession: Nutella (made from hazelnuts) is not my favorite thing. But I love hazelnuts raw. Not liking Nutella will not make you popular in Italy! It’s kind of like loving peanut butter - you have to grow up with it. By the way, you can get peanut butter in Italy, but you pay a hefty price to get the good stuff. I find it easier to make it since large bags of peanuts in the shell are sold everywhere.

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This recipe by Sweet Paul is simple, delicious, and easy to adapt to your tastes. Sweet Paul Magazine is no longer in publication but we can still enjoy this creamy dessert.

Hazelnut Chocolate Pudding-susan-dufresne-get-lost-in-italy — Some additional topping ideas

* Fresh Whipped Creme
* White Chocolate Chunks
* Roasted Coffee Beans
* Dried Sour Cherries
* Fresh Berries
* Hot Chili Pepper
* Cinnamon

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I’d love to hear your favorite things about living or traveling in Italy. Where’s your favorite spot? Recipe? Coffee drink? Movies? Food? Wine? Music? Tutto!

Leave a comment below, DM me on Instagram, or email me at susan@getlostinitaly.com