Holiday Turrón Delight
Experience the festive spirit with our Holiday Turrón Delight, a luxurious nougat candy that brings together a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Originating from various cultures, this chewy confection features a luscious mix of sweetened almonds and optional candied fruits, making it an irresistible holiday treat. Perfect for gift-giving or as a centerpiece on your holiday dessert table, it embodies the warmth and joy of the season. With its rich aroma of vanilla and almond, this nougat is sure to create lasting memories during Christmas gatherings and celebrations.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
superfine sugar
2 2/3 cups (measure)
light corn syrup
2/3 cup (measure)
water
1/2 cup (measure)
egg whites
2 (at room temperature)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (measure)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (measure)
orange extract
1 teaspoon (optional)
candied fruit
1/2 cup (optional, chopped)
candied fruit (for garnish)
as desired (optional)
sliced almonds
1 cup (prepare for folding and topping)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the superfine sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to mix.
2
Place the saucepan over medium heat, ensuring the mixture heats evenly. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the temperature reaches 260°F (hard ball stage).
3
While the sugar mixture is cooking, place the egg whites in a clean bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, ensuring they don't over-mix.
4
Once the sugar reaches 260°F, carefully pour it in a thin stream into the whipped egg whites while the mixer is running at medium speed. This will create a fluffy nougat base.
5
Add the vanilla, almond, and optional orange extracts to the mixture, and continue beating at medium speed for approximately 13 minutes until the mixture thickens and cools slightly.
6
Gently fold in the optional candied fruit and continue to mix for an additional 2 minutes. Afterward, fold in 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7
Grease a 9-inch pan with butter and lightly dust with flour. Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8
Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top of the nougat mixture, pressing them in gently.
9
Allow the nougat to sit at room temperature overnight to set completely.
10
Once set, remove from the pan and cut into bite-sized pieces. Serve the delightful turrón on a festive decorated plate, garnished with additional candied fruit if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holiday Turrón Delight?
Holiday Turrón Delight is a luxurious nougat candy originating from various cultures, featuring a chewy texture, sweetened almonds, and optional candied fruits.
What are the primary flavors in this Turrón?
The turrón is flavored with a rich blend of vanilla, almond, and optional orange extracts.
What temperature must the sugar reach?
The sugar mixture must be cooked until it reaches 260 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the hard ball stage.
What type of sugar is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 2/3 cups of superfine sugar to ensure proper melting and texture.
How many egg whites are needed?
You will need 2 egg whites at room temperature to create the fluffy nougat base.
What is the role of corn syrup in Turrón?
Light corn syrup is used to provide the desired chewiness and prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Beat the egg whites on high speed in an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks, being careful not to over-mix.
How do I incorporate the hot syrup into the eggs?
Carefully pour the 260 degree sugar mixture in a thin stream into the whipped egg whites while the mixer is running at medium speed.
How long should the mixture be beaten after adding the syrup?
After adding the extracts, continue beating at medium speed for approximately 13 minutes until the mixture thickens and cools.
When should I add the candied fruit?
Fold in the optional candied fruit after the initial 13-minute beating period and continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes.
How much sliced almonds are required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sliced almonds in total, divided between the mixture and the topping.
How do I prepare the pan for the nougat?
Grease a 9-inch pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour before pouring in the nougat mixture.
How long does the Turrón need to set?
The nougat must sit at room temperature overnight to set completely.
How should I finish the top of the Turrón?
Smooth the top of the mixture in the pan and sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top, pressing them in gently.
Can I add orange flavor to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes an option to add 1 teaspoon of orange extract for a citrus note.
How do I serve Holiday Turrón Delight?
Once set, cut it into bite-sized pieces and serve on a festive decorated plate, garnished with more candied fruit if desired.
What equipment is essential for this recipe?
A medium saucepan, a candy thermometer, and an electric mixer are essential for achieving the correct candy stage and texture.
Is the candied fruit mandatory?
No, the chopped candied fruit is an optional ingredient that can be included based on your preference.
What is the texture of this confection?
This turrón is a chewy, fluffy nougat that is dense with nuts and fruit.
Can this be used as a holiday gift?
Yes, it is described as a perfect treat for gift-giving during Christmas gatherings and celebrations.
How much water is used in the sugar mixture?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water to be combined with the sugar and corn syrup.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How much almond extract is used?
You should use 1 teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the nutty flavor profile.
What size pan is best?
A 9-inch pan is the recommended size for setting the nougat.
Do I need to refrigerate the Turrón to make it set?
No, the recipe specifies letting the nougat sit at room temperature overnight.
How do I know when the sugar is ready?
The sugar is ready when your candy thermometer reads exactly 260 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine superfine sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan and stir gently.
Can I use different types of nuts?
While this specific recipe uses sliced almonds, turrón traditionally features various nut blends, though results may vary.
Should the egg whites be cold?
No, the egg whites should be at room temperature to achieve the best volume when whipped.
What is the final garnish suggestion?
The recipe suggests garnishing the serving plate with additional candied fruit for a festive look.