Introduction

There’s something about nougat that seems to reach into the soul of a person. Nougat is light yet rich, sweet yet nutty, and has a texture that is unique to it. This recipe takes the original nougat and adds a little twist in the form of almonds, walnuts, and cranberries which result in a more sweet and salty flavour. This may be saved for holidays or simply enjoyed as a scrumptious treat, the nougat is guaranteed to surprise with its crunchy crispiness and the chewy center.

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Ingredients

1 cup almonds – roasted

1 cup walnuts – roasted

1 cup dried sweetened cranberries

1 and a half cups of sugar

½ cup corn syrup (light)

¼ cup of water

2 large egg whites

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

¼ tsp Almond oil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: First, toast the almonds and walnuts in a garlic oven at 175C for 8-10 minutes, till golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool. An 8-inch baking dish is lined with parchment paper.

Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Heat over medium flame and bring the mixture to boil, stirring from time to time. Keep cooking till the mixture starts reading 240 degrees on the candy thermometer.

Whipe Egg Whites: During the time the sugars are cooking, the egg whites and salt are beaten in a large mixing by using an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks occur.

Combine Mixtures: At this stage, slowly stream the sugar mixture into the egg whites whilst keeping the machine on low speed and not stop mixing. Hasten the level of speed to the high position and beat until the product becomes thick and shiny, it will take about 5 minutes.

Add Flavorings: If including, gently put in vanilla extract and tired almond extract. After this flour mixture, adds the toasted nuts and the cranberries and mix until combined.

Set Nougat: Take adhesive wixing of adaptéed with baking dish load the mixture and spread in proper way. Allow cooling for at least four hours at room temperature or until the mixture is fully set.

Cut and Serve: When set, grasp the nougat from the pan by the remote parchment paper and lift it. Cut in Squares or Rectangles and Enjoy.

Hints for success

Use a Candy Thermometer: This is important for meager accuracy in the performance of the dessert because the sugar mixture requires a certain temperature for it to form proper texture.

Beat Egg Whites Well: Whipped egg white gives lightness to the nougat which is important to make fluffy airy nougat

Let it Cool Completely: If nougat shows signs of cooling down and sets, it is important to let the nougat sit and firm for some time.

Health Benefits

Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are rich in healthy fats and proteins and come with essential nutrients such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cranberries: They are sources of antioxidants and vitamins which are beneficial to health and provide immunity.

Nutritional Information Nutritional value sample per 16 servings.

Calories: 220

Total Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 5mg

Total Carbohydrates: 23g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 22g

Protein: 4g

Variations and Substitutions

Nuts: Replace the pecans or cashews in all or part by almonds or walnuts.

Fruit: You can use raisins, chopped apricots, or cherries instead of cranberries.

Flavorings: You can try some orange or even coconut extract for a different flavor

Questions & Answers (Q & A)

Can something like nougat be made in advance? Nougat is not a problem, it can be made in advance, up to two weeks in advance. You can keep that without a problem in an airtight container at room temperature.

What if I do not have a thermometer to measure the temperature of sugar? If you do not have a thermometer than you can prepare some sugar mixture and drop a bit in a glass of cold water. The mixture will take the shape of a soft ball.

Can nougat go in the freezer? Yes, nougat can be frozen, and this may last for 3 months in chilly conditions. For the most satisfactory results, place it in a sealed bag after compressing it with plastic foil.

Conclusion

This Nougat with Almonds, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries is a light and classy confection that combines dry fruits with a lot of nut crunchiness. This nougat recipe will appeal not only to the recipient but also to those preparing it, as it can serve as a holiday gift or just an indulgence for allergens. With such a simple way to prepare it and its variations, it is a candy that you will enjoy preparing and sharing with special people.