Almond Nougatine Recipes

CHEWY ALMOND NOUGAT

Steps:

• Heavily butter a 15x10x1-in. pan; set aside. Heavily butter a large bowl; set aside. In a stand mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture cones to a boil, about 10 minutes. (If sugar crystals are present, cover and boil for 1-2 minutes to allow steam to wash crystals down.) Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 238° (soft ball stage), about 6-8 minutes., With mixer running carefully and slowly add hot liquid in a steady stream over egg whites. Beat 10 minutes longer or until mixture holds its shape and is lukewarm. (Mixture will be beginning to lose its gloss.) Transfer to prepared bowl., For almond mixture, in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil, about 15 minutes. (If sugar crystals are present, cover and boil for 1-2 minutes to allow steam to wash crystals down.) With a clean spoon, cook and stir over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer reads 275° (soft-crack stage), about 15 minutes longer., Pour over mixture in bowl (do not scrape saucepan). With a large wooden spoon, stir until blended. Combine butter and vanilla; gradually add to almond mixture until blended. Stir in almonds and salt until blended. Transfer to prepared pan. Let stand at room temperature for several hours or until firm. Cut into squares. Wrap in plastic or waxed paper if desired.

HONEY ICE CREAM WITH ALMOND NOUGATINE

Steps:

• In a large, heavy saucepan, bring the cream and milk to a boil.
• In a large, stainless steel bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the heated liquid into the bowl, whisking all the while. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the honey, to taste. Transfer to a clean bowl and chill over ice cubes and cold water. Strain.
• Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Just before the ice cream is completely set, stir in the Almond Nougatine, and continue to churn for a few minutes longer. Serve in a Sesame Seed Cup.
• Brush a small baking sheet with vegetable oil and set aside.
• In a medium-size, heavy saucepan, cook the sugar over high heat until it turns a caramel color. Stir in the almonds and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Pour out onto the prepared pan in a very thin layer and let harden. Cool.
• When completely set, scrape the nougatine onto a chopping board with a heavy spatula. Cut or chop into small bits. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients, except the milk, until well combined. Let rest at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, refrigerated and covered.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Using a 2-tablespoon measure, spoon some of the batter onto a non-stick baking sheet. Dip a fork into the milk and, using the back of the tines, gently pat the batter, spreading it into a very thin circle, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. (The milk will prevent the sugar from sticking to the fork.) You should be able to make 2 to 3 circles on an 11 by 15-inch baking sheet, spaced about 2 1/2 inches apart.
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately shape over a 2 1/2-to-3-inch bowl or mold, forming a free form cup. Let harden. You may want to start by making 1 or 2 at a time, the cookie crisps very quickly and can crack.
• Yield: 10 to 12 cups

ALMOND-PISTACHIO NOUGATINE

Steps:

• Put the sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan and make a light caramel: Place saucepan over medium heat. The sugar will melt and start to caramelize. When the mixture is pale brown, add the almonds, pistachios, and butter. Mix well to coat the nuts in the caramel and toast them lightly.
• Working quickly, turn the mixture out onto a sheet of parchment paper or onto a silicone mat. Place a second sheet or mat on top, then roll out the nougatine very thinly with a rolling pin. To finish, cut out the desired shapes using a knife or a pair of scissors. If the nougatine hardens too much to cut, reheat it in a 275°F oven for 4 to 5 minutes to soften it a little. (Store in an airtight container, away from moisture, for up to 1 month.)

ALMOND NOUGATINE

Steps:

• Brush a small baking sheet with vegetable oil and set aside.
• In a medium-size, heavy saucepan, cook the sugar over high heat until it turns a caramel color.
• Stir in the almonds and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
• Pour out onto the prepared pan in a very thin layer and let harden; Cool.
• When completely set, scrape the nougatine onto a chopping board with a heavy spatula.
• Cut or chop into small bits.
• Store in an airtight container until ready to use.