HAZEL

HAZEL SPICE BLEND

What It Is A fragrant, gently sweet seasoning blend built around finely ground hazelnuts and warm spices. Unlike Hazel Roast Rub which is firmly savory, Hazel Spice Blend sits at the threshold between sweet and savory. It is designed to echo Hazel’s woodland character in baked goods, porridges, roasted fruits and warm drinks. The blend is soft, aromatic, and versatile; an all‑purpose “Hazel warmth” you can reach for throughout the year.

Flavor / Character Warm, nutty and lightly spiced. The hazelnuts provide a mellow sweetness and a soft, buttery base. Cinnamon or allspice adds warmth; nutmeg or cardamom brings lift; and a small pinch of salt deepens the overall flavor. The texture is fine and cohesive, allowing it to dissolve easily into batters, doughs and liquids.

Uses Stirred into oatmeal, porridge or rice pudding; folded into cake or muffin batter; sprinkled over roasted apples, pears or squash; or whisked into hot milk, coffee or cocoa. It can be added to pancake or waffle batter, dusted over French toast or used as a finishing sprinkle for whipped cream or yogurt. In Hazel’s culinary world, this blend acts as the aromatic counterpart to praline: less sweet, more spice‑forward and suited to everyday cooking.

How to Make or Prepare To make Hazel Spice Blend at home, combine finely ground roasted hazelnuts with warm spices such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg or cardamom. A small pinch of salt enhances the nut flavor. Adjust the spices depending on the season: more cinnamon in winter, more cardamom in spring or a touch of ginger for a brighter, sharper profile. Store the blend in an airtight jar in a cool cupboard or the refrigerator to preserve the hazelnut oils. Stir before using as the nut component may settle slightly.

Notes This blend is intentionally gentle. It is not meant to dominate a dish but to add a quiet, woodland warmth. The hazelnuts soften the sharper edges of the spices, creating a rounder, more integrated flavor. If you want a sweeter version, a spoonful of brown sugar or maple sugar can be added but the unsweetened blend is more flexible and keeps longer.

Cross‑References Praline; Hazelnut Syrup; Hazel Roast Rub; Hazel Feast‑Day Menu; Hazel Pantry.