Nougat ice cream

Nougat Glacé – Nut Ice Cream

Who hasn't dreamed of a dessert that combines creamy texture with delicious crunch? Nougat Glacé, this refined dessert, brings together the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable tasting experience. Whether you're a sweet tooth or simply looking for a simple yet impressive recipe, this is exactly what you need.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 8 hours (minimum)
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 liter of liquid cream
- 450 g sugar (preferably brown for a more intense flavor)
- 200 g dried or candied fruits (apricots, cherries, etc.), chopped
- 200 g hazelnuts or almonds, ground (in this recipe, I opted for almonds which I roasted to enhance the flavor)
- 3-5 egg whites (depending on their size, I used 5)
- 500 g thawed berries (optional, for serving)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 150 ml water
- seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the trays: Start by preparing two loaf pans. Line each pan with cling film, ensuring it overhangs the edges so you can easily remove the dessert after freezing.

2. Roasting the almonds: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the almonds on a baking tray and roast for 7 minutes, until golden and fragrant. This will add a rich flavor and crunchy texture to your dessert.

3. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pan, add 200 g of sugar and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it caramelizes. Be careful not to burn it – a well-made caramel will have a pleasant golden color.

4. Combining the almonds with the caramel: Once the sugar has completely melted, add the ground almonds and mix well. After about a minute, pour the mixture onto a buttered parchment sheet. Spread it as evenly as possible and let it cool completely. Once cooled, chop it finely with a knife or blend it, depending on the desired texture.

5. Preparing the cream: In a large bowl, whip the liquid cream until fluffy and firm. If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can add the vanilla seeds while mixing.

6. The egg white meringue: In a saucepan, combine 150 ml of water with the remaining 250 g of sugar to make a syrup. Boil the syrup until it reaches 120 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, whip the egg whites until frothy. When the syrup is ready, slowly pour it into the egg whites while continuing to mix. This will cook the egg whites, giving them a fluffy and airy texture.

7. Combining the ingredients: Add the obtained meringue to the bowl with the whipped cream and gently mix. Add the almond crunch and chopped dried fruits (if you choose to use them) and carefully mix everything together.

8. Pouring the mixture: Pour the mixture into the prepared trays. Cover with cling film and place in the freezer for at least 8 hours, ideally overnight.

9. Serving: For added flavor, you can prepare a fruit coulis to accompany it. A combination of raspberries, vanilla, and honey, blended until it becomes a fine sauce, will add a fresh note to your dessert. When serving, you can decorate with fresh mint leaves and thawed berries.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation.
- For an even creamier texture, you can replace part of the cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Experiment with different nuts and candied fruits to create personalized variations.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can Nougat Glacé be made without eggs? Yes, you can replace the meringue with another dessert base, such as chocolate mousse.
- How should it be stored? It keeps excellently in the freezer for up to 2 months, but we recommend consuming it within 2 weeks for the best texture.
- What drinks pair well with this dessert? A sparkling wine or warm fruit tea are excellent choices.

Nutritional benefits:

Nougat Glacé contains ingredients rich in healthy fats from nuts and proteins from egg whites. It can be an ideal dessert for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising health.

In conclusion, this Nougat Glacé recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to impress your guests. With a little effort and patience, you will create a dessert that will surely become a family favorite! Indulge yourself and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 liter liquid cream 450 g sugar (I used brown) 200 g dried or candied fruits (apricots, cherries, etc.), chopped 200 g hazelnuts, chopped (I replaced them with almonds that I roasted for 7 minutes) 3-5 egg whites, depending on their size (I used 5) 500 g thawed berries (I chose not to include them in the mixture but to serve them on top) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 150 ml water seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence) fresh mint leaves for decoration

 Tags:  ice cream with nuts