Toasted Hazelnut Butter Recipe

1/2 cup unbianched hazelnuts
8 tablespoons (I stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Frangelico or other hazelnut liqueur (optional)

The Night Before
Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer in a shallow metal pan and toast them, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes.Wrap the hot hazelnuts in a clean towel and let steam for I minute. Rub the towel-wrapped hazelnuts vigorously between your palms to remove as much of their skins as possible. Shake the nuts in a colander to separate them from the skins. Let cool completely Store airtight at room temperature.

In the Morning
Coarsely chop the hazelnuts. In a bowl, stir together the hazelnuts, butter brown sugar and the liqueur, if using. Use the buffer within an hour or so, or the hazelnuts will become soft.