Pistachio-Cranberry Torrone

(52)
Eggnog Bavarians
Yield:
Makes about 1 1/2 dozen pieces

Torrone is a nougat confection typically made with honey, almonds, and egg whites, pressed into the shape of a stick and eaten at Christmastime. Besides its addition of pistachios, our updated torrone takes leave of tradition with dried cranberries and shredded coconut.

Ingredients

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

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ½ cup honey

  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ cups shelled salted pistachios, (about 7 ounces)

  • 1 ⅓ cups unsweetened finely shredded coconut, (about 4 ounces)

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Directions

  1. Place 1 piece of rice paper in a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Put sugar, honey, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture just begins to simmer and sugar has dissolved, about 6 minutes. Continue to cook, without stirring, until mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.

  2. Meanwhile, put egg whites into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Raise speed to high. Pour hot honey mixture into egg-white mixture in a slow, steady stream, and beat until mixture has cooled and thickened and begins to stick to whisk, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low; beat in vanilla, pistachios, coconut, and cranberries.

  3. Working quickly, spread mixture into prepared dish. Place another sheet of rice paper on top; press down to flatten and spread evenly. Let cool on wire rack at least 3 hours, or overnight.

  4. Cut around edges of torrone to loosen. Remove from baking sheet; transfer to a cutting board. Trim edges to be straight. Using a long, sharp knife, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices.

Cook's Notes

Torrone can be stored between layers of parchment in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

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