Hi again Eli :-) I have been rethinking my advice regarding toasting the hazelnuts. First of all, the recipe does not say to toast them. Secondly, recipes for pralines made with pecans do not call for toasting the pecans prior to cooking them in the syrup (candy) so-o-o I think that I have decided that you would probably use them raw. When you make the hazelnut praline candy, they will cook and that should bring out their flavor.