Nocciolata

I'm a huge fan of the combination of nuts and chocolate. That includes chocolate covered nuts of all types, peanut butter cups, and pretty much every choco-nut thing that exists.

Hazelnuts and chocolate are really good together, and when they're blended and creamy ... yum!

Speaking of "yum," the folks at Rigoni di Asiago, who make Nocciolata chocolate hazelnut spread, sent me some of that spread. I've tried it before, but it's been a while, so I figured it was time to give it another go.

And, yum. I like this better than the other chocolate hazelnut spreads out there. And yes, I did and actual taste test. I like the texture and the flavor of this one best. Not saying the others were bad in any way, just that this one hit all the right marks for me. Or maybe it's the Italian hazelnuts that make a difference. Did I mention that this is made in Italy?

I was going to use it in a recipe. I was, but I didn't. I've used it before to make ice cream, and I might do that again one of these days. But really, it's just good on its own. Spread it on a shortbread cookie, if you must. But it's also really good on a spoon. A little spoonful to savor.

If you haven't tried this brand, I suggest you look for it. It's not quite as easy to find in grocery stores as some of the others, but I've been seeing it a little more often. Not in every store I go to, and not all the time. But it's out there.

Needless to say, taste is subjective. So maybe this won't be your favorite. But just maybe ...

Who's it for: Nutty people who like chocolate, too.

Pros: Yum.

Cons: Yum.

Wishes: I wish this was as common as peanut butter.

Source: I received this from the manufacturer for the purpose of a review.