Gianduia, the classic Italian combination of hazelnuts and chocolate, is never more appropriate than in fall, when the hazelnuts are harvested throughout Piedmont. Here the mixture is showcased in a soft, simple pudding, spiked with hazelnut liqueur and sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch and salt in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup half and half.
Step 2
Bring 1 1/4 cups half and half to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot half and half into egg mixture; return mixture to saucepan. Whisk over medium-low heat until pudding thickens and comes to boil, about 5 minutes. Boil 1 minute longer, whisking constantly.
Step 3
Remove pudding from heat. Add chocolate, Frangelico and vanilla; whisk until chocolate melts and pudding is smooth. Divide among six 3/4-cup custard cups. Sprinkle hazelnuts over puddings. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)
Step 4
Spoon whipped cream atop puddings, if desired. Serve with ladyfingers.
