How to Skin a Hazelnut

Hazelnuts, or Filberts

Hazelnuts, or filberts, are a long-time favorite nut with bakers and candy makers. Usually a bit pricey, they aren't commonly found in the household, but with increased production, they are now more of an affordable option. Hazelnuts must be skinned before using, to avoid a bitter taste in the finished product.

Things You'll Need

• Shelled hazelnuts
• Rimmed, flat baking pan
• Cloth kitchen towels
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Place shelled nuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Nuts are done when you can smell a nut aroma in your kitchen.

2. Place a kitchen towel flat on the counter, then cross it with another towel in a crosswise direction. Carefully pour your roasted nuts into the center of the two towels.

3. Fold the towels over to enclose the nuts, then gather the sides to create a makeshift bag containing the nuts. Close with a rubber band. Leave enough room to allow the nuts to move and slide against each other and the fabric of the towel.

4. Begin rubbing the nut-filled "bag" briskly between your hands. Make sure you move the nuts around so that all nuts get a thorough massage with your hands and the fabric.

5. Empty the finished nuts into a bowl or back onto the baking sheet. Pick the peeled nuts out and discard the papery hulls. Return any unpeeled nuts to the towels for more rubbing. It may be necessary to toast them a bit longer to loosen the husks. Repeat the process until nuts are as hulled as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Try pouring the nuts slowly from the towel into a bowl in front of a fan. Do this outdoors. The fan will blow the husks away and the heavy nuts will fall into the bowl.

• Don't make yourself crazy trying to get every last bit of husk off. A little bit left will not spoil your finished product.