Honey and Nut Nougat

This Honey and Nut Nougat is a delightful, chewy confection that combines toasted almonds and walnuts with the natural sweetness of honey and sugar. Perfect as a festive treat or a sweet snack, it’s a recipe to savor and share.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Setting Time: 12 hours
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 100 g almonds
• 75 g walnuts
• 125 g sugar
• 125 g honey
• 1 egg white
• Oil, for greasing
• Icing sugar, for sprinkling

Directions
Prepare the Nuts:

• Boil the almonds for 3 minutes to loosen the skins. Drain and peel.
• Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden. Set aside.
• Toast the walnuts in the same skillet for a few minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

Prepare the Mould:

• Grease a 22×9 cm mould with oil.
• Sprinkle icing sugar evenly to coat the bottom and sides of the mould.

Make the Syrup:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and honey. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
• Use a spoon to drop a small amount of syrup into cold water. When it forms a soft ball, remove the saucepan from heat.

Incorporate the Egg White:

• Beat the egg white in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
• Gradually add the syrup to the egg white, a little at a time, while stirring continuously.

Cook the Mixture:

• Return the mixture to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a stretchy consistency.

Assemble the Nougat:

• Remove the mixture from heat and fold in the toasted almonds and walnuts.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared mould, pressing it down evenly.

Set and Serve:

• Refrigerate the nougat for 12 hours to set.
• Remove from the mould, slice into pieces, and enjoy!

5 Serving Suggestions

• Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for gifting.
• Serve alongside tea or coffee for a delightful pairing.
• Add to a festive dessert platter with other treats.
• Enjoy as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
• Use as a filling for baked goods like cookies or pastries.

Cooking Tips

• Keep the syrup at low to medium heat to avoid burning.
• Stir continuously while cooking the syrup and egg white mixture to prevent sticking.
• Toast nuts carefully to bring out their flavor without burning.
• Refrigerate the nougat in a sealed container to retain freshness.

Nutritional Benefits

• Almonds and Walnuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidants.

Dietary Information

• Gluten-free.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice – Makes 10)

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients with a luxurious result.
• Perfectly chewy with a delightful crunch from the nuts.
• Makes a beautiful homemade gift or treat.
• Naturally sweetened with honey for a balanced flavor.

Conclusion
This Honey and Nut Nougat is a decadent yet easy-to-make sweet that’s sure to impress. With its chewy texture and nutty crunch, it’s a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other nuts? Yes, pistachios, hazelnuts, or pecans work well.
• How do I store nougat? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Can I skip the egg white? The egg white is essential for the nougat’s texture, but you can use a plant-based alternative like aquafaba for a vegan version.
• Can I add dried fruits? Yes, chopped dried apricots or cranberries can add extra flavor.
• Is a candy thermometer necessary? No, the soft-ball water test works well.
• Can I make this without honey? You can substitute honey with light corn syrup, but the flavor will differ.
• Why refrigerate for 12 hours? This allows the nougat to firm up and hold its shape.
• What can I do if the nougat sticks to the mould? Use more oil or a parchment paper lining to prevent sticking.
• Can I make a smaller batch? Yes, halve the ingredients and use a smaller mould.
• Can I add chocolate? Yes, drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.