HAZEL

HAZELNUT MILK

What It Is A plant‑based milk made by blending soaked hazelnuts with water and straining the mixture to produce a smooth, lightly sweet liquid. Hazelnut milk has a naturally warm, nutty flavor and a thinner body than oat or cashew milk, making it excellent for drinks, baking and light desserts. It is one of the gentlest ways to express Hazel’s flavor without the weight of whole nuts.

Flavor / Character Soft, creamy and mildly sweet with a warm, toasted aroma if roasted nuts are used. Raw hazelnuts produce a cleaner, more delicate flavor; roasted nuts create a deeper, more confectionery profile. The texture is smooth and pourable, closer to almond milk than to thicker nut milks.

Uses Poured into coffee or tea, blended into smoothies, whisked into hot chocolate or used as the liquid base for custards, puddings and porridges. It can replace dairy milk in cakes, quick breads and pancakes, adding warmth without heaviness. When lightly sweetened, it becomes a simple dessert drink on its own, especially when warmed with a touch of honey or hazelnut syrup.

How to Make or Prepare To make hazelnut milk at home, soak raw hazelnuts in water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften them. Drain, then blend with fresh water (typically one part nuts to three or four parts water) until completely smooth. For a deeper flavor, lightly roast the nuts before soaking. Strain through fine cloth or a nut‑milk bag for a smooth texture; leave unstrained for a rustic version. Sweeten to taste with honey, sugar or a spoonful of hazelnut syrup. Store in the refrigerator and shake before using, as natural separation is normal. Use within three to four days.

Notes Homemade hazelnut milk is more aromatic than commercial versions because it contains no stabilizers or emulsifiers. The roast level determines the character: raw nuts give a pale, clean flavor; roasted nuts give a warm, dessert‑leaning one. For a creamier milk, reduce the water slightly or blend longer before straining.

Cross‑References Hazelnut Syrup; Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Base; Hazel Feast‑Day Menu; Praline; Hazel Pantry.