Introduction
Indulge in the exquisite taste of homemade Almond Walnut Cranberry Nougat. This delightful confection is perfect for any occasion, offering a satisfying blend of crunchy nuts and chewy cranberries wrapped in a smooth, honey-sweetened nougat. With just a few ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a gourmet treat that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 100 g (3.5 ounces) almonds
- 75 g (2.6 ounces) walnuts
- 75 g (2.6 ounces) cranberries
- 125 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 125 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 1 egg white
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Almonds
- Boiling the Almonds: Place the almonds in a small saucepan and cover them with hot water. Bring to a boil and let them cook for 3 minutes.
- Peeling the Almonds: Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the almonds using a strainer spoon. Transfer them to a small bowl, peel off the skins, and place the peeled almonds on a plate.
- Toasting the Almonds: Add the peeled almonds to a pan and toast them over low-medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and place in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Walnuts
- Toasting the Walnuts: Add the walnuts to a pan and toast them over low-medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from heat and combine with the toasted almonds. Let them cool down. Set aside.
Step 3: Making the Nougat Base
- Heating the Sugar and Honey: 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.
- Preparing the Mold: Spray and brush a mold with oil, then sprinkle with icing sugar. Set aside.
Step 4: Preparing the Egg White
- Whipping the Egg White: In a large bowl, separate the egg white from the yolk. Using an electric mixer, whip the egg white until it reaches a stiff peak consistency.
Step 5: Combining Syrup and Egg White
- Testing the Syrup: Once the honey and sugar mixture reaches around 120°C – 130°C (248°F – 266°F) on a candy thermometer, remove it from the heat. Let the syrup cool down slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Incorporating the Egg White: Gradually add the whipped egg white into the syrup, beating with a spatula and then a whisk until fully incorporated.
- Cooking the Mixture: Place the egg white and syrup mixture back on low heat and beat continuously until it becomes thick and glossy, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Step 6: Adding Nuts and Cranberries
- Folding in the Nuts and Cranberries: Remove the mixture from the heat, add the toasted almonds, walnuts, and cranberries, and fold them in until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Setting the Nougat
- Pouring into Mold: Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared mold and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the nougat to cool and set at room temperature for a few hours or until firm. Once set, remove it from the mold and place it on a cutting board.
Step 8: Cutting and Serving
- Cutting the Nougat: Cut the nougat into rectangular bars. For smooth slices, dip your knife in hot water before slicing.
- Decorating: Optionally, you can dust the nougat bars with additional icing sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Notes
- High-Quality Ingredients: To achieve the best flavor and texture, use fresh almonds, walnuts, and cranberries.
- Pre-Toasted Nuts: You can use already blanched and toasted almonds to save time.
- Flavorful Honey: Choose a high-quality honey with a unique flavor profile, such as floral, fruity, or earthy, to add complexity to your nougat.
- Complete Setting: Ensure the nougat sets completely before cutting into bars.
- Storage: Store the nougat in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Gift Idea: Wrap individual nougat bars in decorative paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Potassium: 155 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Vitamin A: 8 IU
- Vitamin C: 2 mg
- Calcium: 45 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Conclusion
Our Almond Walnut Cranberry Nougat is a delightful blend of nuts and fruit, wrapped in a honey-sweetened, egg-white-based nougat. This easy-to-make recipe promises a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a snack or given as a gift, this nougat is sure to impress with its rich taste and satisfying crunch.
