Homemade Torrone Recipe
This delightful torrone recipe combines the rich flavors of high-grade Italian honey, toasted nuts, and a hint of vanilla. A labor of love, this traditional treat is a perfect homemade holiday gift or a special treat for yourself. The process of cooking and stirring the ingredients slowly yields a beautifully textured and flavorful torrone that is sure to impress. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating this sweet confection that captures the essence of the holidays.
— Constant Cookbook
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound of honey (use a high grade Italian honey for best results)
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 pound of nuts (I use a mixture of almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I used a white vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Cover a loaf pan or small square baking dish (8 inch by 8 inch) with parchment paper. Have another sheet of parchment paper ready to cover the top of the torrone once its done cooking.
- Place the nuts on a single layer in a baking tray and toast in oven at 350º F, about 8 minutes or until shiny and fragrant. Set aside.
- Place honey in a double boiler or large bowl over a saucepan of water (bain marie) on the lowest heat. Make sure the bowl is not touching the water. Heat honey until it melts, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- In the meantime, whisk egg whites to stiff peaks in a separate bowl.
- Add the whites to the bowl of honey, stirring with the wooden spoon to incorporate. It should turn into a caramel-coloured cream. Keep cooking, stirring slowly but continuously over gentle heat for 45 minutes (It's best to just set a timer for this). The mixture should thicken and become pale. A small test should determine that your torrone is at a good stage – a drop of the mixture in a glass of water should solidify into a soft ball, not dissolve immediately.
- Add the nuts, salt and vanilla to the mixture and continue cooking and stirring for 30 minutes(set the timer again so you make sure to cook for the full 30 minutes). Pour into your prepared baking dish. Top with additional parchment and smooth it down, pressing the torrone gently with your hands.
- Place in a cool place to set for a couple of hours. When set, cut the torrone into thick slices with a sharp, heavy knife. Wrap in parchment tie with string or tape for the perfect homemade holiday gift. Keeps very well wrapped in parchment and stored somewhere cool.
Comments
No comments found.