"Gianduia" Fondue

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skinned
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur

Accompaniment suggestions:

• Banana slices
• Thin, crisp cookies such as lace cookies, sables, or shortbread
• Pound cake squares
• Fresh coconut pieces
• Orange scented cake or cookies and/or candied orange peel

Directions

Process hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.

In the top of a double boiler over simmering water melt chocolates and butter, stirring until smooth and butter is thoroughly incorporated.

In a saucepan heat cream until hot but not boiling. Stir into melted chocolate little by little, stirring until completely incorporated between additions. Stir in hazelnuts and liqueur.

Serve in a fondue pot over a very low flame, with your choice of accompaniments.