Homemade Nougat

Homemade Nougat Recipe from France with Karo, Red Label, and Almonds

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Nougat is a delicious and chewy confection that is enjoyed all over the world. It is made by boiling sugar, egg whites, and other ingredients until it forms a thick, sticky mixture that is then poured into a pan and allowed to set. Nougat can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling in candies and desserts.

History

Nougat has been enjoyed for centuries and has its origins in the Middle East. It is believed to have been created by the Arabs in the 8th century and was later introduced to Europe by the Moors. Nougat was traditionally made with honey, nuts, and egg whites, but over time, different variations of the recipe have emerged.

Ingredients

1 cup karo, Red Label
2 cups granulated sugar
0.33 cup water
2 egg whites
0.13 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.33 cup candied cherries, finely chopped
0.5 cup chopped almonds

How to prepare

First, pour the Karo into a saucepan. Add the sugar, salt, and water and boil until the temperature reaches 238°F (114°C), or until a small amount of the mixture forms a hard ball when tested in cold water.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour in the candy mixture, beating constantly until the mixture is almost as thick as whipped cream.
Stir in the vanilla, cherries, and nuts. Pour the mixture into a well-oiled pan using Mazola.
The nougat should be about half an inch thick.
Let the mixture stand overnight. Cut it into oblong pieces and wrap each piece in wax paper.

Variations

You can add different types of nuts or dried fruits to the nougat mixture for added flavor and texture.
You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the nougat before it sets for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature.

- It is important to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure that the nougat has the right texture.

- Let the nougat set overnight to allow it to firm up before cutting into pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade nougat can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat or used as a filling in candies and desserts.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the sugar mixture.

- It is important to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure that the nougat has the right texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use honey or maple syrup instead of Karo syrup in this recipe.

- You can use different types of nuts or dried fruits in place of the almonds and cherries.

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade nougat can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Homemade nougat can be wrapped in wax paper and tied with a ribbon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Homemade nougat pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Homemade nougat should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It does not need to be reheated before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of homemade nougat contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of homemade nougat contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of homemade nougat contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of homemade nougat contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade nougat is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Homemade nougat contains egg whites, nuts, and may contain traces of other allergens.

Summary

Homemade nougat is a sweet treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Homemade nougat is a delicious and chewy confection that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create this classic treat at home and enjoy it with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Homemade Nougat. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I was always amazed by the delicious dishes she would create in her kitchen.

One day, as I was helping her prepare for a big family gathering, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe book from her pantry. It was filled with handwritten recipes, passed down from generation to generation. Amongst the pages, I found a recipe for Homemade Nougat that caught my eye.

My grandmother explained to me that this recipe had been given to her by a dear friend many years ago. She had never attempted to make it herself, but she thought it would be a fun project for us to tackle together. I was thrilled at the prospect of learning a new recipe, and eagerly set to work gathering the ingredients.

The recipe called for sugar, honey, egg whites, almonds, and a few other simple ingredients. As we measured and mixed the ingredients together, my grandmother shared stories of her own experiences learning to cook. She told me about the time she spent in the kitchen with her own grandmother, and how she had learned to make traditional dishes from her homeland.

As we stirred the mixture over a low flame, my grandmother taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail when cooking. She showed me how to test the temperature of the sugar syrup with a candy thermometer, and how to gently fold in the egg whites to create a light and fluffy nougat.

After what felt like hours of stirring and cooking, the nougat mixture finally reached the perfect consistency. We poured it into a pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkled the top with toasted almonds. As we waited for the nougat to set, my grandmother and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and reminiscing about our shared love of cooking.

When the nougat had cooled and hardened, we carefully cut it into small squares and wrapped them in wax paper. The finished product was a beautiful confection, with a light and airy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends at the gathering later that evening.

The Homemade Nougat was a hit at the party, and everyone raved about how delicious it was. My grandmother and I beamed with pride as we watched our loved ones enjoy the fruits of our labor. From that day on, Homemade Nougat became a special treat that my family would request for every special occasion.

Over the years, I have continued to make Homemade Nougat for my own family and friends, passing down the recipe and the tradition of cooking together to my own children and grandchildren. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first discovered the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

I am grateful to my grandmother for sharing her love of cooking with me, and for teaching me the value of preserving and passing down family recipes. The recipe for Homemade Nougat will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the bond that can be created through the simple act of cooking together.