Around the world, Christmas brings visions of joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious treats that signify the season. Spanish Christmas baking is steeped in tradition, with a variety of sweets enjoyed by families and friends during the festive period. One such delight is Turrón Duro, also known as Hard Nougat. This classic Spanish treat is a mouthwatering combination of almonds, honey, and sugar, encased in a firm, sweet nougat that is sure to delight your taste buds and add a touch of holiday cheer to your home.
Turrón Duro Hard Nougat
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole almonds
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 egg white
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the almonds on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once roasted, set them aside to cool.
2. While the almonds are cooling, line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease the parchment paper with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and honey. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage.
4. In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg white with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will help give your nougat that classic firm texture.
5. Once the sugar-honey mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and quickly fold in the roasted almonds and whipped egg white. Stir gently but swiftly to combine everything thoroughly.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Allow the Turrón Duro to cool at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours, or until completely set and hardened. Once set, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the nougat out of the pan.
8. Cut the hardened nougat into small squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. If needed, you can dust the knife with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
9. Serve your homemade Turrón Duro on a festive platter or package it in decorative boxes to give as unique holiday gifts to family and friends. Enjoy the delightful crunch of almonds, the sweet aroma of honey, and the satisfying texture of this traditional Spanish treat.
Indulge in the rich flavors and textures of Turrón Duro this holiday season, bringing a taste of Spain to your Christmas celebration. Embrace the warmth of the season with this delightful recipe that is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home for years to come.
