World Nutella Day is celebrated annually on February 5th. Did you know World Nutella Day is a holiday that celebrates Nutella – a Cocoa Hazelnut spread produced by the Italian confectionery company Ferrero.
Although once only known to the Italian market, Nutella has become a global confectionery sensation, now sold in over 75 Countries. In fact, according to various sources, Nutella estimated one jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds. Isn’t that crazy?
During the 19th Century, Napoleon attempted a continental blockade that he hoped would wreck British commerce and enable him to win the War. However, what happened was Chocolatiers in the Piedmontese area of North-Western Italy were left with a huge problem.
Almost overnight, Chocolate prices skyrocketed. They wondered how they were going to make Chocolate confections. Then, inspiration struck them. Why not chop up Hazelnuts, which were plentiful in the area, and mix them into the Chocolate? When they did, they inadvertently invented Gianduia a Hazelnut and Chocolate paste that would become the foundation for the Nutella recipe.
During the 1940s, the ongoing world War caused Chocolate prices to skyrocket and Chocolate to become scarce, so Pietro Ferrero, who owned a bakery in Alba, Piedmont, decided to use Hazelnuts to stretch his Chocolate supply.
This product, known as Pasta Gianduja, which was produced as a solid block, was sold extensively during the 1940s. However, in 1951, he decided to create a creamy version as well. This version was named Supercrema.
In 1963, the Supercrema recipe was altered so it could be marketed throughout Europe. This new recipe was renamed Nutella, and the first jar was sold in April of 1964. Almost immediately, Nutella was a success and sold like hotcakes.
During the early 2000s, Susan Russo, an American blogger living in Italy, was always taking jars of it back to the United States because Nutella wasn’t easy to find in the U.S. at the time. This prompted Susan to wonder why Nutella wasn’t more popular in the States.
Finally, in 2007, she sent an email to a friend and fellow blogger named Shelley Ruelle, asking her if she wanted to host an International Nutella Day with her. Shelley’s reply was an enthusiastic yes! Wouldn’t it have been fun to join in? Charlie said he thinks so.
At first, the holiday was celebrated on February 6th, but the following year it was changed to February 5th. They also launched NutellaDay.com, a landing page that would link back to the bloggers’ respective sites so people could find more information on the holiday.
Over the years, the holiday became more popular and spread virally across Twitter and Facebook. All over the world, people began to share Nutella recipes and word of the product spread. Do you remember when this happened because I don’t.
Not everyone was happy with the holiday, though. In April of 2013, Ferrero sent Russo a cease-and-desist letter that demanded she stop publishing anything with the Nutella name, likeness, or logo. However, in May of that year, Ferrero dropped the cease-and-desist letter to Russo and reached out to her.
Today, she continues to run the holiday’s media pages and website, although she now has to place a disclaimer on it that it is not officially run by the company and doesn’t express the views of Ferrero. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t check out the pages does it?
World Nutella Day Customs & Traditions
The best way to enjoy World Nutella Day is to purchase a jar or jars, as the case may be and eat Nutella straight, use Nutella during a meal, or use Nutella in your favorite recipe. Nutella is perfect for spreading on Toast, mixing into Cake mixes, and using in Sandwiches. In fact, you probably haven’t lived until you have tried a Nutella and Banana Sandwich. Have you?
World Nutella Day Activities
One of the most popular ways to celebrate World Nutella Day is by getting creative in the kitchen and whipping up delicious Nutella-inspired recipes. From Nutella-stuffed French Toast to decadent Nutella Brownies, the possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating Nutella into your favorite treats.
Another fun way to celebrate World Nutella Day is by hosting a tasting party with friends and family. Set up a spread of different Nutella varieties, from classic to crunchy, and let everyone sample and share their favorite ways to enjoy Nutella. Don’t forget to provide plenty of Bread, Fruit, and other dippable treats for everyone to enjoy.
In today’s digital age, sharing photos and recipes online has become an integral part of celebrating World Nutella Day. Whether it’s posting drool-worthy pictures on Instagram or sharing recipe ideas on Pinterest, Social Media has made it easier than ever for Nutella enthusiasts to connect and inspire each other with their love for the spread.
Ways to Enjoy Nutella
Sometimes, the simplest way to enjoy Nutella is straight from the jar with a spoon. Just ask Charlie because that’s the only way he will use Nutella. How about you? Since, I don’t like when people double dip I always bought Charlie his own jar of Nutella because there’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in Nutella’s creamy texture and rich Chocolate flavor without any additional fuss.
If you have the means and the opportunity transform your morning Pancakes into a decadent treat by adding a Nutella to the Pancake Batter. As the Pancakes cook, the Nutella melts into gooey pockets of Chocolatey goodness, creating a breakfast experience like no other.
For a truly indulgent treat, try stuffing your favorite Pastries with Nutella before baking. You can use Croissants, Puff Pastry twists, or Cinnamon Rolls, because the addition of Nutella takes these Pastries to a whole new level of deliciousness.
For a healthier alternative, pair Nutella with fresh Fruit for a tasty snack or dessert. Simply dip Strawberries, Bananas, or Apple slices into a bowl of Nutella for a satisfying combination of sweet and creamy flavors.
Beat the heat with a refreshing Nutella Milkshake that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Simply blend Nutella with Milk and your favorite Ice Cream for a creamy, Chocolatey treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Nutella
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Directions
1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the Nutella and brown sugar on medium speed until glossy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and yolk, beating well and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the flour and mix until incorporated, scraping the bottom of the bowl to ensure there are no flour pockets. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using. 3. Lay sheets of parchment paper on 2 cookie sheets. Roll dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon balls and press gently with the bottom of a glass. Bake until the edges of the cookies are set and no longer glossy, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let sit for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
