As the first light of dawn breaks over the countryside, the air fills with the sweet scent of honey and toasted almonds. The sound of laughter and chatter comes from the kitchen where my grandmother, with her flour-dusted apron, creates wonders with her hands. One memory that stands out is the making of nougat during the festive season—sticky, chewy, and bursting with flavors. Today, I will share a recipe that encapsulates that childhood joy, combining wholesome ingredients with a gourmet twist: Honey Almond Nougat infused with dried fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds, toasted
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Begin your nougat journey by preparing your workspace. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Dust the parchment with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, granulated sugar, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 250°F (hard ball stage).
While waiting for the syrup to reach the right temperature, prepare the egg whites. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sea salt and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. This will give your nougat its signature airy texture.
When the syrup reaches 250°F, remove it from the heat. With the mixer on low speed, carefully pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites in a thin stream. Be cautious, as the syrup is extremely hot. Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Gently fold in the toasted almonds, chopped figs, and apricots, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.
Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow it to cool at room temperature for a few hours or until fully set, ideally overnight.
Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the nougat out of the baking dish. Dust the top with additional powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles for serving.
This Honey Almond Nougat is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors, a testament to the richness of simple ingredients, and a nod to cherished memories of family gatherings. Each bite is a delightful blend of chewy nougat, the crunch of almonds, and the sweet bursts of dried fruits—a gourmet twist on a classic confectionery that will surely bring joy to your table.
Enjoy this nougat as a delightful treat with coffee or as a gift wrapped in pretty paper, sharing a piece of your kitchen adventures with loved ones.