Jelly Nougat Candy

Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful homemade treat that combines the sweetness of sugar and corn syrup with the airy texture of whipped egg whites. With added nuts and dried fruit for texture, this candy is both chewy and crunchy. Coated in powdered sugar, it’s the perfect sweet snack for any occasion. Simple to make and full of flavor, Jelly Nougat is sure to become a favorite in your candy-making repertoire.

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chopped dried fruit
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 280°F (soft-crack stage).
2. While the sugar mixture is cooking, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
3. Slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the egg whites, beating constantly to ensure smooth incorporation.
4. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and let it cool at room temperature.
6. Once the candy has cooled, cut it into squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations

• Fruit Options: Experiment with different dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for varied flavors and textures.
• Nuts: Use different types of nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios for a unique twist.
• Flavor Additions: Add a hint of citrus zest or almond extract to the mixture for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cooled candy before cutting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Jelly Nougat Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep a layer of parchment paper between the pieces to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: These candies can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: If the candy becomes too hard, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it slightly.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer will work just as well for beating the egg whites.
2. Can I use a sugar thermometer for this recipe? Yes, a sugar thermometer is highly recommended to accurately measure when the sugar mixture reaches 280°F.
3. What happens if I don’t reach the soft-crack stage? If the sugar mixture doesn’t reach 280°F, the candy may not set properly and could turn out too soft.
4. Can I skip the egg whites? The egg whites are crucial for achieving the airy texture of the nougat. Omitting them will result in a different, denser candy.
5. How can I make this candy less sweet? Try reducing the sugar slightly or using a sugar substitute, but be aware that this may affect the texture and consistency.
6. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit? Fresh fruit contains too much moisture and will not work well in this recipe. Dried fruit is ideal for the right texture and flavor.
7. What other nuts can I use? You can use any type of nut you like, such as walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts, depending on your preference.
8. Do I need to grease the pan? Yes, greasing the pan helps the nougat to come out more easily once it has cooled.
9. Can I make the candy without a candy thermometer? If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the soft-crack stage by dropping a small amount of the syrup into cold water. If it forms a pliable thread, it’s ready.
10. Can I add a bit of food coloring? Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to give the nougat a colorful touch.

Conclusion

Jelly Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that brings together simple ingredients in a fun, chewy candy. With its mix of crunchy nuts, sweet fruit, and a delicate texture, this candy is perfect for gift-giving, parties, or as a personal indulgence. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with variations, Jelly Nougat will satisfy any candy lover’s cravings. Enjoy the process of making it and, of course, the sweet results!

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