Directions
- Freeze the hazelnuts for 1 hour before processing (this helps prevent clumping).
- Process the nuts in a blender or food processor until all of the larger pieces have disappeared. Do not over-process, or you will end up with hazelnut butter (to make hazelnut butter, just keep blending!)
- Use as a replacement for gluten flours in baking.
Health Benefits
Hazelnuts have a notably high level of monounsaturated fats (this is why they easily turn to butter when processed). These fats can assist in improving cardiovascular health and are important for managing type 2 diabetes. Hazelnuts also pack vitamin E, which is important for eye health—especially macular degeneration, and for healthy skin, as well as brain health, including reduced risk of dementia.
You can make nut flours easily at home for gluten free baking in just a few minutes with almonds and pecans as well. Some of the more challenging flours to make at home are chickpea and coconut, so best to leave those to the pros.
