nougat bars

Nougat bars are a delicious treat that combine chewy nougat with nuts, chocolate, and other flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make them at home:

Ingredients:

For the Nougat:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup roasted nuts (almonds, pistachios, or peanuts work well)
• Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruits (chopped apricots, cherries, or cranberries)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 12 oz. semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for a smoother coating)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Nougat

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Cook the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, honey, and water. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then heat the mixture over medium-high heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Cook until the mixture reaches 260°F (127°C).
3. Whip the Egg Whites: While the sugar syrup is heating, place the egg whites and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
4. Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the sugar syrup reaches 260°F, slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while the mixer is running on low speed. Be careful to pour it in a thin, steady stream. Continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy, and has cooled slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Flavorings and Nuts: Add the vanilla extract, nuts, and any dried fruits to the nougat mixture. Mix until well combined.
6. Spread in the Pan: Quickly transfer the nougat to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Step 2: Cut and Coat the Bars

1. Cut the Nougat: Once the nougat has set, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate (or chips) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. If desired, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate for a shinier finish.
3. Coat the Bars: Dip each nougat bar into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or place the bars in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to speed up the process.

Step 3: Enjoy!

Once the chocolate has set, your nougat bars are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Tips:

• You can customize the recipe by using different nuts, adding spices like cinnamon, or drizzling the bars with white chocolate for decoration.
• If you prefer a softer nougat, reduce the cooking temperature of the sugar syrup slightly to around 250°F (121°C).