Product Review: Nutella and Ferrero Rocher

If not for World War II, an Italian pastry maker might not have come up with the idea of using hazelnuts to stretch the limited supply of cocoa to continue making his pastries. Hazelnuts were plentiful in the area where he lived, and his creation eventually lead to the production and sale of Nutella. If it were not for Nutella there may never have been "Ferrero Rocher" candy. In 1940 the pastry maker, Mr. Pietro Ferrero had a dream to make quality , affordable candy and make them widely available. He has realized his dream. From his humble pastry shop beginnings his company, Ferrero Rocher, is now marketing Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, and Tic Tacs internationally.

Because it is usually displayed next to peanut butter on grocery store shelves, the short, squat 13 oz jar of Nutella stands out. The first time I saw it I thought the jar was brown, not realizing it was a chocolate and hazelnut spread. I also mispronounced the name, calling it nut-ella. Nutella's website taught me the correct pronunciation is new-tell-uh. Not one to waste money, I hesitated to spend $3.99 to taste an unknown product. When my daughter, who is not afraid to waste money, bought a jar and I tasted it. I was hooked.

If you like the flavor of hazelnuts and are a chocoholic, you will love Nutella. "Creamy" is the word that comes to mind. It has a perfect blend of chocolate and hazelnut, so neither flavor overpowers the other. The label says each jar is made with over 50 hazelnuts. By visiting the Ferrero Rocher website, you can view a composition photo of a piece of the round Ferrero Rocher candy cut in 1/2. The site hints that the candy's creamy filling is none other than Nutella. Though the label bills Nutella as a "hazelnut spread with skim milk and cocoa", it is used as it once was: as an ingredient in exquisite pastries. Fine dining restaurants use a dollop of Nutella served on waffles or as an ingredient of their "French" pastries. If chefs use it, it has to be good.

Before trying Nutella, I was known for opening a jar of peanut butter, scooping out a large spoonful and eating it. I do the same thing with Nutella. Problem is, it tastes so good, I want a second, third and fourth spoon. I have the same problem with the Ferrero Rocher candy which I usually buy in a 3 pack. I pop the whole ball in my mouth and enjoy the flavor, running my tongue over the crunchy nuts before biting it in 1/2 enjoying the taste sensation as it melts in my mouth. It tastes so good I do not want to swallow and must chew the hazelnut nestled in the candy's center before doing so.. Taste sensation satisfied, I stare at the remaining two pieces. I want them. Now! I make myself wait, because the best things in life should be savored slowly.

I have never baked with Nutella, but a web search bring ups links to sites featuring many recipes. Nutella's USA website features a monthly contest to win a case of the product. If you are a pastry maker, you just might want to enter the contests. My favorite use, besides eating it straight out the jar like a piece of Ferrero Rocher candy, is a Nutella and raspberry jam sandwich. Nutella on a croissant is akin to enjoying a fine Italian pastry. I have been known to use Nutella as a dip for crackers or potato chips.

Call me weird, but I also stir a teaspoon full of Nutella in my coffee in place of sugar. Sugar is listed as the first ingredient on the jar's label. A two tablespoon serving has 23 grams total carbs. The same serving size provides 4% of the recommended daily allowance for calcium and 9% for iron. Three pieces of Ferrero Rocher candy's Daily Value is also 9% for iron, 6% for calcium and the carb count is 17 grams. Perhaps my love of hazelnuts is due to my Italian heritage. When it comes to nutritional value, that heritage makes it impossible to choose good nutrition over the taste delights of pastries and chocolates. Nutella is a now on the shelf next to the peanut butter at home. Unless someone creates chocolate peanut butter, Nutella has no competition and Ferrero Rocher is my top choice for luxury candy. Visit the company websites to locate a store where you can purchase the products.

http://www.nutellausa.com/

http://www.rocherusa.com/

Read AC's own Alvin Cardiosk's artilce: "Chocolate Wars - Ferrero Rocher vs. Lindt. See Who Wins the Chocolate Wars" to learn what Mr. Cardiosk thinks about Ferrero Rocher candy.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/99645/chocolate_wars_ferrero_rocher_vs_lindt.html