homemade fruit and nut nougat

 

This looks like Nougat, a chewy and nutty confection made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and nuts, often mixed with dried fruits. Here's a recipe for a homemade fruit and nut nougat:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups almonds (toasted)
• 1 cup cashews or hazelnuts (toasted)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup dried apricots (chopped)
• Edible wafer paper (optional, for lining)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nuts & Pan:

• Line a baking dish with parchment or wafer paper.
• Toast the nuts at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

2. Cook the Sugar Syrup:

• In a saucepan, mix sugar, honey, and water.
• Heat over medium until it reaches 250°F (121°C) (firm ball stage) on a candy thermometer.

3. Beat the Egg Whites:

• While the syrup cooks, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.

4. Combine Syrup & Egg Whites:

• Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating continuously.
• Keep beating until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.

5. Add Nuts & Fruits:

• Fold in toasted nuts, cranberries, and apricots.

6. Shape & Set:

• Spread the mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top.
• Let it cool for at least 4-6 hours before cutting into pieces.

Enjoy your chewy fruit and nut nougat! Would you like a chocolate variation?