Homemade Nougat: A Delicious Gift Idea

 By Benjamin Wilson

 Nougat is a delightful confectionery treat loved by many. Originating from Italy, nougat, also known as torrone, is made with a combination of sugar, honey, roasted nuts, and whisked egg whites. It has a chewy texture and can be flavored with various ingredients such as lemon, chocolate, or chopped fruits.

 If you're looking for a special homemade gift idea, nougat is an excellent choice. Not only does it taste delicious, but it also stores well, making it a perfect present. Here's a simple and flavorful nougat recipe that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of pistachios.

 2 sheets of A4 wafer paper

300g granulated sugar

150g honey

50g water

50g egg white (equivalent to two small eggs)

150g green pistachio nuts

10g freeze-dried strawberry powder or ground freeze-dried strawberries

Vegetable oil for greasing

 Instructions:

 In a saucepan, heat the sugar, honey, and water together. While the mixture is heating, whisk the egg whites until they form firm peaks.

 When the sugar mixture reaches 145°C, slowly pour it into the beaten egg whites while whisking at high speed. Continue whisking as the nougat mixture cools. After about 10 minutes, the nougat will become thick and smooth.

 Turn off the whisk and add the pistachios and strawberry powder. Mix the ingredients firmly with a wooden spoon until the nuts are well dispersed and the nougat comes together in a ball.

 Allow the nougat to cool and set for 3-5 hours. Once it has hardened, trim away any excess wafer paper and cut the nougat into squares.

 Now comes the special touch for turning this nougat into a memorable gift. Package the nougat squares in an airtight container, such as a decorative jar or a gift box, and include a personalized note. You can also wrap individual squares in cellophane or place them in small candy bags tied with ribbons.

Enjoy the joy of giving and sharing this delectable nougat with your loved ones. Happy gifting!