White Nougat

Nougat is a delicious confection made with sugar or honey, nuts (usually almonds), and egg whites. There are different types of nougat, and some may include additional ingredients like dried fruits or chocolate. Here are two classic nougat recipes for you to try: one for white nougat and one for chocolate nougat.

White Nougat Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Edible rice paper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Almonds:
   • Toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are lightly browned. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Pan:
   • Line a square baking pan with parchment paper or edible rice paper if using.
3. Make the Syrup:
   • In a saucepan, combine honey and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
4. Whip the Egg Whites:
   • While the syrup is cooking, whip the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites, beating continuously. Continue to beat until the mixture cools and becomes thick.
6. Fold in Almonds and Vanilla:
   • Gently fold in the toasted almonds and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
7. Set in the Pan:
   • Quickly spread the nougat mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Let it Cool:
   • Allow the nougat to cool and set at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
9. Cut and Serve:
   • Once set, cut the nougat into squares or rectangles. You can wrap them in edible rice paper if desired.

Chocolate Nougat Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Instructions:

Follow the same steps as the white nougat recipe, with the following modifications:

1. Prepare the Almonds:
   • Toast the almonds as instructed in the white nougat recipe.
2. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water:
   • In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to simmer until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Follow the steps to combine the hot syrup with whipped egg whites as described in the white nougat recipe.
4. Fold in Almonds and Vanilla:
   • Gently fold in the toasted almonds and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
5. Melt Chocolate:
   • Melt the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
6. Add Chocolate:
   • Once the nougat mixture has cooled and thickened, fold in the melted chocolate until well combined.
7. Set in the Pan:
   • Quickly spread the chocolate nougat mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Let it Cool:
   • Allow the chocolate nougat to cool and set at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
9. Cut and Serve:
   • Once set, cut the chocolate nougat into squares or rectangles.

These nougat recipes make delicious treats, and you can customize them with your favorite nuts or additional flavorings. Enjoy experimenting with different variations!