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Gianduiotto

The gianduiotto—a chocolate and hazelnut delight from the Italian city of Turin—is an international favorite for confectionary kings and queens. Drenched in velvety chocolate and oozing with sweet, nutty flavor, this rare treat is a delight that can be savored by all.

Gianduiotto


The sweet story behind the gianduiotto goes all the way back to 1865, when local chocolatier Michele Prochet developed the recipe. He wanted to replicate the original chocolate-hazelnut combination that had first been created to appeal to the residents of Turin. Prochet’s goal was to make chocolate accessible to everyone. He achieved this goal by using cheaper ingredients like almonds, cocoa powder, and sugar. He then combined the ingredients with Piedmont hazelnuts, creating the beloved gianduiotto.

In terms of taste, the gianduiotto is quite remarkable. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut creates the perfect balance of sweetness, making it a tantalizing treat for people of all ages. What makes this candy so unique is its combination of fine milk chocolate, rich hazelnut paste, and crunchy almonds. These components come together to form a sensational flavor trifecta that has no equal.

The gianduiotto is available in a variety of shapes, including rectangles, discs, and even stuffed into cones! Whether you enjoy yours as a bar or wedge, its distinctive flavor will always be unmistakable.

Not only is the gianduiotto incredibly scrumptious, it is also very healthy. Hazelnuts are packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. Additionally, the cocoa powder used in the gianduiotto contains flavonoids, which are known to boost cardiovascular health. This makes the gianduiotto a delectable yet nutritious indulgence.

The next time you find yourself in Turin, don’t forget to sample the amazing gianduiotto. Its rich flavor, decadent texture, and health benefits make it one of the most beloved desserts in Italy.

The origin of Gianduiotto

Ah, the delectable Gianduiotto! What a treat! But have you ever wondered where this perennial Italian favorite came from? Well, the origin of Gianduiotto is as nuanced and delicious as the dessert itself.

As the story goes, Gianduiotto was born in the bustling Piedmontese city of Turin around the mid-1800s. A confectionary shop owner by the name of Pierrsusso Cabissa cooked up the now famous dessert as a way to celebrate the marriage of Italy's then King Umberto I and Queen Margherita di Savoia.

Cabissa's creation consisted of a combination of hazelnuts, chocolate, sugar, egg whites, and vegetable fats. He called it "Gianduiotto" after the popular local pantomimic character Gianduja. Not only was Gianduiotto a delicious tribute to the royal couple, but it quickly became a favorite among the locals as well.

Today, Gianduiotto can be found all over Italy, from Turin and Milan to Naples and beyond. It is also available in various international locations, such as America and Japan.

This classic Italian treat has an undeniably illustrious history, with its roots firmly planted in the culture and heritage of Piedmont. The combination of ingredients used to make the dish creates a unique flavor, equal parts sweet and intensely nutty. Thus, Gianduiotto has remained a beloved Italian staple for centuries, and it is sure to hold this veneration for many years to come.

FAQs about Gianduiotto

Is Gianduja the same as Nutella?

No, Gianduja and Nutella are two different kinds of hazelnut-chocolate spreads. Gianduja is a combination of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and sugar, while Nutella is a spread made with chopped hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk powder, and sugar.


What does Gianduja taste like?

Gianduja typically has a rich, creamy texture with notes of hazelnut and a hint of chocolate. It is sweet but not too sweet, making it an excellent addition to a variety of desserts.


What is gianduiotto chocolate?

Gianduiotto is a chocolate specialty from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is a round, flattened shape filled with a mixture of chocolate and hazelnuts. This mixture is called 'gianduja' after Gianduja, the symbolic figure of Turin, the capital of Piedmont. Gianduiotto chocolate is usually made from 70% dark chocolate, with the remaining 30% made up of sugar and hazelnuts. The result is a rich, intense flavor that has become a popular Italian treat.


What is the meaning of Gianduja?

Gianduja is a type of Italian chocolate made by blending chocolate and hazelnut paste. It is known for its spreadable, creamy texture and nutty flavor.


Types of Gianduiotto

As an Italian-style pastry, the Gianduiotto is as varied as it is delicious. With its rich chocolate flavor, smooth texture, and crunchy hazelnuts, it has certainly captured the hearts of many. It’s a beloved dessert that will never go out of style.

The original Gianduiotto is made with chocolate and hazelnuts but this treat can come in multiple flavors, such as milk and white chocolate, coffee, and even mocha. In some areas, it is also possible to find this treat with added ingredients, like dried fruits or cocoa powder. These added ingredients offer interesting new possibilities for chocoholics.

Gianduiotto typically comes in two forms: either in a bar, or in individual pieces. The bars are especially popular due to their convenience and portability. Individual pieces, on the other hand, offer a more luxuriant experience, since they are meant to be enjoyed one by one at a more leisurely pace.

No matter the form, Gianduiotto is truly an indulgent pleasure. From the first delectable bite to the memorable aftertaste, the treat offers a sensory experience that is hard to forget. Its creaminess is comforting and its sharpness stimulating, making it a delightful interlude between meals.

For connoisseurs, Gianduiotto is especially satisfying when served with a choice of Chianti or Champagne. To further refine the experience, a selection of fine cheeses, nuts, and raisins will add some balance to the decadent flavor.

No matter how you serve it, Gianduiotto is an unforgettable sweet treat. Its luxurious flavors and textures are sure to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lover.