Delight your family this holiday season with a quick and easy nougat recipe that requires no baking! This festive treat combines the crunchy texture of almonds with the sweetness of sugar and honey, all held together by the lightness of whipped egg white. Perfect for Christmas celebrations or as a special treat during the holidays, this no-bake nougat is sure to become a new favorite. Let’s create a batch of this sweet confection that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
- 200 g almonds: Roasted for extra crunch and flavor.
- 1 egg white: Whipped to stiff peaks, giving the nougat its classic chewy texture.
- 125 g sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form the nougat’s structure.
- 125 g honey: Brings a rich, mellow sweetness that complements the almonds perfectly.
Preparation:
- Prepare the Almonds: Start by roasting the almonds in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool, then roughly chop for added texture in the nougat.
- Whip the Egg White: In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg white to stiff peaks. This is crucial for achieving the nougat’s signature light and airy texture.
- Melt Sugar and Honey: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and honey over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches the ‘soft ball’ stage (about 118°C or 234°F on a candy thermometer). Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
- Combine: Once the honey and sugar syrup is ready, slowly pour it into the whipped egg white, continuously beating at a low speed. The mixture will start to thicken as you incorporate the syrup.
- Fold in Almonds: Add the chopped, roasted almonds to the nougat mixture, folding gently until they’re evenly distributed.
- Shape the Nougat: Pour the nougat mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper or into a lined baking dish. Using a spatula dipped in cold water, spread the nougat to your desired thickness.
- Set: Allow the nougat to cool and set at room temperature. This can take several hours, but it’s crucial for achieving the perfect consistency. For a quicker set, you can place it in the refrigerator.
- Slice and Enjoy: Once set, cut the nougat into bars or squares using a sharp, oiled knife. Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for a lovely holiday gift or serve them as a festive treat.
Conclusion:
This No-Bake Holiday Nougat is not only a delightful addition to your festive treats but also a testament to the joy of homemade confections. Quick, easy, and delicious, it offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors that nougat lovers will adore. Surprise your family with this homemade sweet, and watch their eyes light up with every chewy, crunchy bite. Here’s to a holiday season filled with sweet surprises and heartfelt moments.