Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole almonds (or hazelnuts), toasted and coarsely chopped
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup edible rice paper (wafer paper)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line a square baking pan with edible rice paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.
- Toast the Nuts:
- Toast the almonds (or hazelnuts) in a dry pan over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool and then coarsely chop them.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
Combine the Mixtures:- Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup over the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat at medium speed.
- Fold in the Nuts:
- Once the sugar syrup is fully incorporated, fold in the chopped toasted nuts until evenly distributed.
- Transfer to the Pan:
- Quickly transfer the nougat mixture to the prepared pan lined with rice paper. Smooth the top with a spatula or spoon.
- Let it Set:
- Allow the nougat to cool and set at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
Cut into Pieces:- Once the nougat has set, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares or rectangles.
- Serve:
- Serve the nougat pieces on a platter or wrap them individually in rice paper for a classic presentation.
Enjoy your homemade nougat! Feel free to customize it by adding dried fruits or flavor extracts of your choice for a festive twist.