Torrone di Nocciole with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped 2 cups (240g) roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (340g) honey 1 cup (340g) honey
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 30g)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Line a baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, combine the honey and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour the hot honey mixture into the egg whites, whisking continuously.
5. 5.
   Add the vanilla extract and sea salt, and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
6. 6.
   Fold in the chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed.
7. 7.
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. 8.
   Allow the Torrone di Nocciole to cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
9. 9.
   Once cooled and set, remove the Torrone di Nocciole from the baking dish and cut into small squares or rectangles.
10. 10.
    Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hazelnuts — Make sure to use roasted hazelnuts for a richer flavor. You can roast them yourself by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove the skins by rubbing the hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form before adding the hot honey mixture.
• For a variation, you can add a handful of dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to the mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
• Store the Torrone di Nocciole in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Torrone di Nocciole as a delightful dessert after a delicious Italian meal. It pairs well with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Torrone di Nocciole squares on a beautiful platter or in individual serving dishes. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.