This delicious nougat recipe combines the rich flavors of toasted almonds, walnuts, and cranberries with a sweet honey and sugar syrup. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a homemade gift.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 100g almonds
- 75g walnuts
- 75g cranberries
- 125g sugar
- 125g honey
- 1 egg white
Instructions
1. Prepare the Almonds:
- Place the almonds in a small saucepan and cover with hot water. Boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the almonds.
- Peel the almonds and place them on a plate.
- Add peeled almonds to a pan and toast for 5-8 minutes over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Walnuts:
- Add walnuts to a pan and toast for 5 minutes over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.
- Remove from the heat and set aside with the toasted almonds.
3. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and honey over medium flame, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Spray and brush the mold with oil and then sprinkle with icing sugar. Set aside.
4. Whip the Egg White:
- In a big bowl, separate the egg white from the yolk and use an electric mixer to whip the egg whites until they reach a stiff peak consistency.
5. Combine Syrup and Egg White:
- Remove the syrup from the heat once it reaches around 120°C – 130°C (248°F – 266°F) on a candy thermometer or when a spoon dipped in the syrup forms a firm ball in cold water.
- Let the syrup cool down for around 3 minutes.
- Gradually add the egg white to the syrup, beating with a spatula and then with a whisk until fully incorporated.
- Cook the egg white syrup mixture on low heat, beating continuously until thick and glossy, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Combine and Set:
- Remove from the heat, add the almonds, walnuts, and dried cranberries, and fold until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared mold and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Allow the nougat to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours or until firm.
7. Cut and Serve:
- Once set, remove the nougat from the mold and place it on a cutting board.
- Cut into rectangular bars.
Notes
- High-Quality Nuts and Cranberries: Use fresh almonds, walnuts, and cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Pre-Blanched Almonds: Save time by using pre-blanched and toasted almonds.
- Roast Nuts for Flavor: Toasting boosts the nutty flavor.
- Good Quality Honey: Choose a honey with a unique flavor to enhance your nougat.
- Setting Time: Ensure the nougat is fully set before cutting it into bars.
- Storage: Keep nougat fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
- Gift Idea: Wrap each nougat bar in decorative paper and tie it with a ribbon for a special handmade gift.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Customizable: Can be adapted with other nuts or dried fruits to suit dietary preferences.
Storage:
-
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Can be refrigerated to extend shelf life up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Handmade Charm: Adds a personal touch to holiday celebrations and gifts.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet honey candy is irresistible.
Conclusion
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Almond, Walnut, and Cranberry Nougat as a delightful treat or a thoughtful homemade gift. The combination of toasted nuts, sweet cranberries, and a honey-sugar syrup makes this nougat an irresistible confection. Happy cooking!