Gianduja

This confection, chocolate with hazelnut paste, originated in Switzerland. It is very smooth and creamy and is used in preparing desserts and candies, and can be eaten plain. The basic proportions are equal amounts of prepared chocolate, sugar, and roasted hazelnut paste. It is generally purchased in blocks from chocolate manufacturers rather than prepared in the pastry shop. Gianduja is available in both milk and dark varieties; the milk chocolate version is more traditional. Gianduja is also the name of a candy made with chocolate and hazelnuts.