Hazelnut Semifreddo Recipes

HAZELNUT SEMIFREDDO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Put the hazelnuts in a single layer on a small sheet pan. Toast the nuts for 8 minutes, until they are lightly golden. Pour the nuts onto a clean kitchen towel and rub them to remove the peels. Put the hazelnuts in a large sealable plastic bag, seal the bag, and pound the nuts with a rolling pin until roughly crushed. Set aside.
• Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop the ice cream into 16 equal-size balls (8 of each flavor) and arrange in a single layer on a cold plate lined with plastic wrap. Cover the ice cream balls with more plastic wrap and freeze again until firm.
• In a medium bowl, whip the cream, a pinch of salt, sugar and 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur to stiff peaks, but do not over beat.
• To serve, put 2 scoops each of hazelnut (or coffee) and vanilla ice creams into each glass. Add to the top of each 1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur and 2 tablespoons crushed hazelnuts. Pour 1/4 cup espresso into each bowl. Top the ice cream with a dollop of whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve immediately.
• Entertaining Notes: If you are doing this for a larger party you can pre-scoop the ice cream right into the glasses and store, covered, in the freezer.

HALVAH SEMIFREDDO WITH HAZELNUTS

Steps:

• Line a small loaf pan with plastic wrap. In a bowl, mash the halva with a strong fork until crumbled.
• Stir in the nuts (reserve some for topping), while continuing to mash, mixing the nuts and halvah together until almost smooth.
• Beat the cream to soft peaks and fold into the halvah mixture. Pour into the loaf pan and bang the pan on the counter several times to distribute the mixture evenly. Transfer to the freezer and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. (To keep longer, wrap semifreddo in plastic wrap and keep for up to 1 month.)
• To serve whole, place the frozen loaf in a serving dish. Drizzle chocolate sauce or spoon fruit preserves on top, if desired. Arrange hazelnuts on top and slice at the table. Alternatively, serve as individual slices and pass toppings at the table.

MY NUTTY SEMIFREDDO

Steps:

• Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil. Line a 10-inch springform tin with plastic wrap.
• Combine 1 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, without stirring, until sugar dissolves and syrup starts to bubble and turn golden brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in hazelnuts. Remove from heat and pour evenly onto the oiled baking sheet. Let praline cool until solid, about 15 minutes.
• Place half of the hazelnut praline in a food processor; blend into a fine powder. Pour into a bowl. Blend remaining praline into coarse chunks.
• Beat heavy cream in large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until firm peaks form.
• Combine egg yolks and remaining 1 cup sugar in another bowl; beat with the electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and pale, 3 to 5 minutes. Fold into whipped cream.
• Beat egg whites in another bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into the whipped cream and egg yolk mixture. Fold in hazelnut powder and hazelnuts chunks. Spoon into the prepared springform tin; cover with plastic wrap.
• Freeze until semifreddo hold its shape, about 1 hour. Stir well. Return to freezer and freeze, stirring every hour, until firm, 4 to 5 hours more.

CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT SEMIFREDDO

Steps:

• Line 8x4 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, extending the wrap at the sides and ends of the pan.
• In a bowl, mix hazelnut spread and melted chocolate.
• In a second bowl, beat cream just until stiff peaks form.
• Stir a large spoonful of whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
• Fold the remaining cream into the chocolate mixture, half at a time (mixture will not be uniformly blended).
• Pour mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Freeze for 1 hour.
• Remove from freezer and cover top with plastic wrap, and freeze overnight until firm.
• To serve: remove plastic wrap from top and invert semifreddo on to a platter.
• Remove remaining plastic wrap.
• Let stand a few minutes at room temperature (not more than 10) to soften slightly.
• Cut into 1-inch thick slices and place on plates, drizzle each serving with 1 Tablespoon of chocolate sauce and garnish with a few fresh strawberries.
• Serve immediately.