The Polar Express; Vanilla Almond Nougat

• Vegetarian
• Gluten free

• Refrigerated

  • 2 Egg whites

• Condiments

  • 1 500g jar Glucose syrup/ corn syrup

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1 Rice paper used

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 tsp Vanilla essence
  • 2 1/8 cups White sugar

• Nuts & Seeds

  • 200 g Almonds, roasted

• Liquids

  • 1/3 cup Water

Found on foodinliterature.com

Description

Ingredients

• rice paper used for sweets
• 200g roasted almonds, roughly chopped
• 2 1/12 cups white sugar
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 500g jar glucose syrup/ corn syrup
• 2 egg whites at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Directions

• Before you begin, do two things. First, read through this recipe carefully so you know what happens in what order. Second, measure and lay out all your ingredients.
• Line a 18x28cm slab pan with non stick baking paper and lay down rice paper. I used about 2.5 sheets for the bottom, and later, the same on top.
• Over medium heat, add to a saucepan the sugar, water and glucose syrup.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Place a sugar thermometer in the pan. Turn the heat up to high until it reaches a boil, then reduce to medium heat again.
• Meanwhile fill the sink with cold water so when the sugar reaches the correct temperature, you can place the pot in the water to stop the sugar from continuing to cook.
• Place the egg whites in a stand mixer and attach the whisk attachment.
• Watch your sugar carefully. When it reaches 120C, turn the mixer on medium-high speed so the egg whites will eventually get thick peaks. Lift the mixer head so its not in the way when you go to pour the syrup.
• When the sugar temperature reaches 140C, remove the pan from heat, place in the cold water for a moment. Then pour the sugar in a thin stream into the mixer.
• Turn the mixer on medium-high for several minutes, into the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Turn off and use a wooden spoon to stir in the chopped almonds and vanilla essence. Straight away, pour the nougat mixture into the rice paper lined pan so the pan is covered.
• Place on the additional rice paper and press down gently so the nougat smooths out.