Lemony Almond Nougat

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Yield:
96 Pieces

This sticky Italian specialty, also known as torrone, has a light lemony bite, a honeyed sweetness, and a marshmallow-like smoothness that's the perfect backdrop to the crunch of toasted almonds. Get the packaging how-to for the Lemony Almond Nougat.

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces edible rice paper, (9 by 13 inches each)

  • 3 cups sugar

  • 1 cup honey

  • 1 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 6 large egg whites, room temperature

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 cups whole blanched almonds, toasted (1 pound)

  • 3 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Place 1 piece of rice paper on a 9-by-13-inch rimmed (quarter) baking sheet.

  2. Combine sugar, honey, corn syrup, and water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture just begins to simmer, about 10 minutes. Cook, undisturbed, until mixture registers 300 to 305 degrees on a candy thermometer, 25 to 30 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile (when syrup reaches 270 degrees), whisk whites with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. When hot sugar mixture is ready, pour it into whites in a slow, steady stream. Whisk until mixture cools and thickens, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low, and add vanilla, almonds, lemon zest, and salt. Working quickly, spread mixture evenly on rice paper. Place remaining piece of rice paper on top, pressing to flatten. Let cool on a wire rack. Once cool, cover nougat with plastic wrap, and let dry for at least 2 days or up to 1 week.

  4. Run a knife around edges of sheet to loosen nougat, and invert nougat onto a cutting board. Trim each edge to straighten. Cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide slices. (Dip knife in water between each cut.) Cut each slice into 1 1/2-inch-long pieces. Wrap each piece in cellophane.

Cook's Notes

Nougat will keep, covered, for up to 1 month.

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