Fruit and Nut Nougat

Fruit and Nut Nougat

**Ingredients:**

– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 large egg whites
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups assorted dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, apricots, mangoes), chopped
– 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, pistachios, peanuts), roughly chopped
– Edible rice paper or parchment paper

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pan:**
– Line a loaf pan or a square baking pan with edible rice paper or parchment paper. Make sure the paper covers the sides and bottom of the pan.

2. **Prepare the Sugar Syrup:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, honey, and water.
– Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
– Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

3. **Beat the Egg Whites:**
– While the sugar syrup is heating, place the egg whites and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
– Beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.

4. **Combine Sugar Syrup and Egg Whites:**
– When the sugar syrup reaches 250°F (121°C), remove it from the heat.
– With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the beaten egg whites in a thin stream.
– Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the mixture becomes thick and glossy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
– Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.

5. **Add Fruits and Nuts:**
– Gently fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the nougat mixture.

6. **Shape the Nougat:**
– Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
– Use another piece of edible rice paper or parchment paper to press down on the top of the nougat, smoothing it out.

7. **Set and Slice:**
– Let the nougat sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight until it firms up.
– Once firm, remove the nougat from the pan and peel off the parchment paper if used.
– Use a sharp knife to cut the nougat into slices or bite-sized pieces.