Experience the enchanting allure of the holidays with this Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat. This elegant confection, characterized by its delicate blend of chewy textures and vivid flavors, is a refinement of traditional nougat. Infused with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, each bite offers a delightful contrast that elevates this treat to a sophisticated level, making it perfect for festive occasions.
Why Make This Recipe
- Effortless Yet Elegant: This nougat comes together easily, making it accessible for both novice and seasoned cooks.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of high-quality ingredients are needed, allowing the flavors to shine without overwhelming complexity.
- Impressive Flavor: The pairing of sweet cranberries with the nutty richness of pistachios creates a gourmet experience that captivates the palate.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup toasted pistachios, shelled
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Toppings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Edible gold flakes (optional for garnish)
How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease with non-stick spray for extra assurance.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 250°F (hard ball stage). This creates the ideal texture for nougat.
- Mix in the Nuts and Fruit: Once the sugar has reached the correct temperature, quickly stir in the toasted pistachios and dried cranberries. The mixture will thicken and become very sticky; use a spatula to combine thoroughly.
- Pour and Set: Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly with the back of the spatula to create an even surface. Let the nougat cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
- Cut and Dust: Once set, lift the nougat from the pan using the parchment overhang. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Cut into squares or rectangles and, if desired, garnish with edible gold flakes for an extra touch of luxury.
How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat
Present your nougat delicately on a fine china platter, arranged in a staggered manner for visual appeal. Adorn with sprigs of fresh mint or seasonal berries to introduce a vibrant color contrast. Pair alongside a selection of artisanal chocolates or a glass of dessert wine for a refined tasting experience.
How to Store Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat
To maintain the nougat’s delightful texture and flavor, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure the pieces are separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat
- Quality Ingredients: Use the finest sugar and fresh nuts for a superior taste.
- Precision Temperature: Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to avoid inconsistencies.
- Avoid Humidity: Make nougat on a dry day to prevent excessive moisture from affecting the texture.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries, for varied flavor profiles.
- Decorative Touch: Drizzle melted chocolate over cut nougat pieces for a luxurious finish.
Variation
Consider adding a hint of citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to enhance the flavor complexity. Alternatively, present the nougat with a rich chocolate dip for an elegant pairing.
FAQs
How long does nougat stay fresh?
Nougat can stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly at room temperature.
Can I use other nuts or fruits?
Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or dried figs can provide delightful twists to traditional nougat.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, beautifully wrapped squares of nougat make exquisite gifts. Use decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an elegant presentation.
Conclusion
The Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat embodies elegance with its simple preparation and sophisticated flavor profile. It’s a charming addition to any holiday gathering or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Share your thoughts and creations in the comments or on social media. How would you make this dish your own?
Print
Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Nougat
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A festive nougat combining tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup toasted pistachios, shelled
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Edible gold flakes (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with non-stick spray.
- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Monitor temperature with a candy thermometer aiming for 250°F (hard ball stage).
- Once the sugar reaches the correct temperature, quickly stir in the toasted pistachios and dried cranberries.
- Immediately pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to create an even surface. Let cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Lift the nougat from the pan and dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Cut into squares or rectangles and garnish with edible gold flakes if desired.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality ingredients and a reliable candy thermometer. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg