Celebrate World Nutella Day 2009 with Nutella Truffles!

Today, Thursday, February 5th is ?World Nutella Day 2009!

Wait. You don?t know about Nutella Day? Oh no my friends?that just won?t do!

Here?s the Cliff Note version: A couple of years ago, Sara from Ms. Adventures in Italy and Michelle from Bleeding Espresso (and Shelley from At Home in Rome, in spirit) decided that there should be a day to celebrate Nutella in all its hazelnutty, chocolaty goodness. (I realize hazelnutty is not a word?) So, 2007 began the yearly tradition of bringing Nutella to the forefront during the first week of February. Check out the website for more details. Be sure to check out World Nutella Day 2007 Part I and Part II and World Nutella Day 2008 Part I and Part II, as well.

I have participated in both of the past celebrations with my version of Baci Candy and Festive Nutella Biscotti. For this Nutella Day, I decided to make truffles, Nutella truffles. These are the easiest, most decadent balls of lusciousness. Two ingredients, that?s it! ¼ cup heavy whipping cream and 13 oz. Nutella. I heated the cream in a small saucepan until it boiled. Then, I immediately poured it into a bowl with the Nutella. After letting it sit for about 1 minute, I slowly stirred the cream with a spoon until the Nutella is melted completely. (If you have issues with the Nutella melting completely, place your bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until it melts.) Next, I covered and chilled the mixture for a couple of hours until firm, but still scoopable. With a mini scoop, then my hands (wearing gloves & working quickly), I formed balls of the Nutella mixture, followed by a roll in a bowl of jimmies. (Chopped hazelnuts would be awesome, too. I just didn?t have any.) Into the refrigerator again to set overnight?and I was done.

The ladies at work will get this batch, so I didn?t liquor them up at all. (Then again, the way the students have been behaving, maybe I should have. - I kid, of course - ) Next time, for a non-schoolly crowd, I may add 2 Tbsp. of Frangelico.

Nutella Day comes at a perfect time. Today, an article is out in the AJC about Atlanta (area) food blogs. John Kessler spoke with several local bloggers, including with Tami (Running with Tweezers) and Betty (Trouble with Toast), and we were asked to submit a recipe. Mine was Hazelnut Mousse, featuring none other than Nutella! So?timing is everything!

Other recipes I have made with Nutella:

Hazelnut Cookies I & Hazelnut Cookies II
Yule Log with Nutella filling
The Danish Bread with Nutella filling
Hazelnut Mousse

Happy Nutella Day, everyone!!

**And, don't forget...Kitchen of Love is underway!
Deadline is 2/10! Let's feel the love!**