Can you believe it has been a year already since the Nutella events of 2008?
We gather here today as lovers of Nutella, the chocolate-hazelnut spread that is worshiped by those who indulge 'round the world!
People all over the globe are celebrating today in whatever fashion they choose. Some may be shoveling it in by the spoonfull-straight from the jar, others have slaved over step-by-step recipes to produce an elaborate Nutella dish.
In our house, Nutella goes so quickly, that we would rarely have enough to make the necessary cut for a recipe. If we are actually thinking of what to do with Nutella, we usually just do something simple and uncomplicated. Like spreading it on slices of apples, or using it as the filling for a crêpe.
Sometimes, it just takes glimse of the label, enticing me to partake by calling my name from the pantry. On stressful days or days where the craving is so great- often the spoon just dives right into the jar and into the open mouth.
Look- I never said is was pretty- just damned good!
Today I will be sharing one of my favorites, Grilled Nutella Sandwiches.
Requiring only three ingredients makes them easy-peasy to make, yet delicious to eat.
Grilled Nutella Sandwiches
Italian Ciabatta Bread
Strawberries
Nutella Spread
Cut 2 slices of bread for every sandwich- 1 inch thick.
Heat a grill pan over high heat. When very hot, place bread diagonally on the pan. Place another heavy pan atop the bread to ensure you get those purty grill marks.
Meanwhile, slice your strawberries and set aside.
Turn bread when grill marks appear and grill the other side the same way.
Remove bread.
Spread gobs of nutella on both slices of bread while bread is still hot. This encourages melting. Place sliced strawberries on one slice of bread. Place the other slice on top and cut in half.
Mangia!
There is just something about the combination of the crunchy ciabatta, the sweet berries and the thick ooey-gooey finger-lickin' melty goodness of the Nutella that make this something extra special.
Oh, what say you? You don't like strawberries?
No problem- why not substitute bananas?
Today, however you indulge, and indulge I hope you do, enjoy your Nutella! And lick every morsel from the tips if your fingers…cause this stuff's so good- you would never want any to go to waste!
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And don't forget to tune in for the Nutella Round-up!! On Monday Februrary 9th you can see all the fabulous entries submitted for World Nutella Day 2009 by visiting both Bleeding Espresso and Ms. Adventures in Italy.
You can also follow along on Twitter @NutellaDay, World Nutella Day Group on Facebook, and you can see photos at the Nutella Day Flickr Pool.
Happy Nutella Day everyone!!