Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper
- 9-inch square baking pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped pistachios and dried apples.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the hot honey mixture into the egg white mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Let the torrone cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Once the torrone is chilled, remove it from the pan and cut it into small squares or rectangles.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Cook the honey mixture until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
Serving size:
- Makes about 20-25 pieces
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute other types of nuts or dried fruits for the pistachios and apples.
Variations:
- You can add other spices or flavors to the torrone, such as cardamom, orange zest, or almond extract.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause burns.
- Toasting the pistachios before adding them to the torrone will enhance their flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the torrone into pieces.
Storage instructions:
- Store the torrone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- The torrone does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the torrone on a platter or in a decorative box for gift-giving.
Garnishes:
- You can sprinkle chopped pistachios or powdered sugar on top of the torrone for decoration.
Pairings:
- Serve the torrone with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- The torrone can be served as a dessert on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the torrone is too soft or sticky, it may not have cooked long enough. Cook the honey mixture to a higher temperature next time.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause burns.
Food history:
- Torrone is a traditional Italian nougat candy that dates back to the 15th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The torrone has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of spice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the torrone as a dessert or snack.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Nutty, Fruity, Caramelized