cranberry-pistachio nougat

I have seen many nougat recipes this year.  the idea of making it intrigued me.  When we were studying The Chronicles of Narnia, we made Turkish Delight to see what exactly the queen used to trick Edmund.  It was okay, but not fabulous.  We felt like we had missed something.  I have also made taffy, but all of that pulling- no thanks.  In my mind, I envisioned this silky, sticky substance that surely must be what nougat is.  Since we normally make a cranberry pistachio white chocolate bark, I figured why not try something new this year.  I will warn you, this recipe is a culmination of several attempts.  Some effort is required, but honestly, the cutting and wrapping is the most difficult part.  I have read that this process is similar to making marshmallows, so now, those are on my agenda!

 Cranberry Pistachio nougat

4 cups sugar

2 1/2 cups corn syrup

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup water

1 tsp salt

4 egg whites

2 cups pistachios

2 cups dried cranberries

2 tsp vanilla (use rosewater if you'd like)

3-4 drops red food coloring

Beat egg whites to stiff peaks.

Spray a 9x13 pan with spray, line with parchment, spray liberally again.  When you think it is sprayed enough, spray it again.  Get the sides too-trust me.

Meanwhile, place sugar, honey, corn syrup, water, and salt in a large heavy saucepan.  Cook, stirring constantly on medium-low heat until mixture reaches 250. (hard ball stage)  Use a candy thermometer or drop into ice water to see if sugar forms a hard ball.  Once this stage is reached, slowly pour about one cup of the hot sugar liquid slowly into the egg whites and whip on high speed until mixture is stiff peaks again.

Place the rest of the mixture back over the heat.  continue to cook, while constantly stirring to 300.  Hard crack stage.  Now, with mixer running, slowly drizzle the remaining sugar down the side of the bowl into the egg whites.  The bowl will become VERY HOT.  Be careful.  Add the vanilla or rosewater during this time.  When mixed well, turn to low, add the food coloring one drop at a time, until the desired color is achieved.  I was looking for a nice pink.  Add pistachios and dried cranberries.

Scrape the hot nougat into the prepared dish.  Spread it out with a spatula.  (Spray it with cooking spray first)  I let the pan sit in my unheated oven for a few hours to cool.  

When you are ready to cut, I found using a pizza cutter that has been sprayed with pan spray worked great.  To separate pieces for wrapping, dip your hands in some warm water, it goes much more quickly.  cut into 1 inch squares, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator.