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Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 81 |
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This sweet, chewy nougat adds a pretty holiday blush to yuletide gatherings. It takes a little extra effort to make, but candy this festive is worth it! Ingredients:
1 teaspoon plus 1/4 cup butter, softened, divided |
3 cups sugar, divided |
2/3 cup plus 1-1/4 cups light corn syrup, divided |
2 tablespoons water |
2 egg whites |
2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted |
2 teaspoons vanilla extract |
1 cup (6 ounces) miniature semisweet chocolate chips |
2 to 3 drops each red and/or green food coloring, optional |
Directions:
1. Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; grease foil with 1 teaspoon butter and set aside. In a small heavy saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 250°-266° (hard-ball stage).
2. Meanwhile, beat egg whites in a heat-proof large bowl until stiff peaks form. With mixer running on high speed, carefully add hot syrup in a slow steady stream, beating constantly at high speed until thickened; cover and set aside.
3. In a large heavy saucepan, combine remaining sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 275° (soft-crack stage).
4. Meanwhile, melt remaining butter. Pour hot syrup into reserved egg white mixture; stir with a wooden spoon. Stir in the walnuts, vanilla and melted butter.
5. Pour half of nougat mixture into prepared pan; press evenly. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Tint remaining nougat mixture with red and/or green food coloring if desired; spread over chocolate chips. Press down evenly with buttered fingers. Let stand for several hours until set.
6. Using a knife coated with cooking spray, cut nougat into 1-in. squares. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper if desired. Store at room temperature. Yield: 2-1/2 pounds.
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