Italian Nougat
1 C. blanched filberts
2 (4--1/2 oz.) packages blanched whole almonds
2 C. sugar
1 C. light corn syrup
1/2 C. honey
1/4 t. salt
2 egg whites
2 t. vanilla extract
1/4 C. butter, softened
Preheat oven to 350�F. degrees. Spread filberts and almonds on cookie sheet.
Toast in oven 10 minutes, until golden.
In heavy, straight-side, 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, honey,
salt, and 1/4 cup water. Stir over medium heat, until sugar is dissolved.
Continue cooking, without stirring, to 252�F. on candy thermometer, or until a
small amount in cold water forms a hard ball.
Meanwhile, in large bowl of electric mixer, at high speed, beat egg whites until
stiff peaks form.
In thin stream, pour about 1/4 of hot syrup over egg whites, beating constantly,
at high speed, 5 minutes until mixture is stiff enough to hold its shape. Cook
rest of syrup to 315 - 318�F. on candy thermometer, or until a small amount in
cold water forms brittle threads.
In thin stream, pour hot syrup over meringue, beating constantly, at high speed,
until stiff enough to hold its shape. Add vanilla and butter, beating until
thickened again--about 5 minutes. With wooden spoon stir in toasted nuts. Turn
mixture into buttered 11 x 7 x 1-1/4 inch pan. Smooth top with a spatula.
Refrigerate until firm.
Loosen edge of candy all around; turn out in large block. With sharp knife, cut
into 1-1/2 x 1-inch pieces. Wrap each in waxed paper. Refrigerate.
Yield: Makes 2-1/2 pounds.