Where to Buy Nougat for Baking: The Ultimate Guide
Nougat for baking can be found in several places, ranging from specialty food stores and online retailers specializing in baking supplies to select supermarkets, particularly during the holiday season. It’s important to check the ingredients and type of nougat carefully, ensuring it suits your specific baking needs.
The Allure of Nougat in Baking: A Sweet Journey
Nougat, with its distinctive chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor, has a rich history and provides a delightful addition to numerous baked goods. From classic Italian torrone to its various international interpretations, nougat offers bakers a canvas for creativity and a way to elevate simple recipes into something truly special.
Types of Nougat: Matching Flavor to Function
Before embarking on your nougat-buying adventure, understanding the various types is crucial. Different recipes call for different textures and sweetness levels.
- Italian Torrone: Known for its hard, brittle texture and high honey content, often studded with almonds. Best suited for grating or chopping into small pieces for cookies and brittles.
- Spanish Turrón: Similar to Italian torrone but can range in texture from hard to soft. Offers greater versatility in baking due to the varied textures.
- French Nougat (Nougat de Montélimar): A softer, chewier nougat made with egg whites, honey, and almonds. Ideal for incorporating into fillings, creams, and softer baked goods.
- Vienna Nougat (Wiener Nougat): A chocolate-hazelnut paste, often used as a filling or flavoring agent. Provides a rich, nutty chocolate flavor.
- Soft Nougat (Nougat tendre): A softer style using more liquid sweeteners which often contains no nuts. Easier to mix into softer doughs or use as a spreadable layer.
Decoding the Ingredients Label: Quality Matters
The quality of your nougat directly impacts the final result of your baked goods. Pay close attention to the ingredients label:
- Honey: A high-quality honey contributes to the characteristic flavor and texture. Look for honey listed near the beginning of the ingredient list.
- Nuts: Almonds are the most common, but other nuts like hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts can also be used. Ensure the nuts are fresh and evenly distributed.
- Egg Whites: Essential for creating the light and airy texture of many nougat varieties.
- Sugar/Glucose Syrup: Contributes to the sweetness and stability. The ratio of sugar to honey influences the final texture.
Where to Shop: A Baker’s Guide to Nougat Acquisition
Finding the right nougat requires knowing where to look. Here are some reliable sources:
- Specialty Food Stores: These stores often carry a wide selection of imported and artisanal nougats, offering unique flavors and textures. This is often the best place to find high-quality, authentic varieties.
- Online Retailers (Baking Supplies): Websites specializing in baking ingredients offer a convenient way to purchase nougat, with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. Allows for easy comparison of different brands and varieties.
- Supermarkets (Seasonal): Many supermarkets stock nougat, particularly during the holiday season (Christmas and Easter). A cost-effective option, but the selection may be limited.
- Ethnic Grocery Stores: Stores specializing in Italian or Spanish foods are likely to carry torrone or turrón. A great resource for authentic regional varieties.
- Chocolate Shops: Some high-end chocolate shops may sell their own homemade nougat, or stock varieties known to pair well with chocolate. Perfect for seeking out sophisticated flavour combinations.
Storing Your Nougat: Preservation is Key
Proper storage ensures your nougat retains its flavor and texture.
- Airtight Container: Store nougat in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or becoming sticky.
- Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Avoid Refrigeration: Refrigeration can alter the texture of some nougat varieties, making them hard and brittle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking with Nougat
Even experienced bakers can make mistakes when using nougat. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Overheating: Overheating nougat can cause it to melt and lose its shape. Use low heat and stir frequently.
- Uneven Distribution: Ensure the nougat is evenly distributed throughout the dough or filling. Chopping it into small, uniform pieces helps.
- Using the Wrong Type: Choosing the wrong type of nougat can impact the final texture and flavor. Carefully consider the recipe requirements before selecting your nougat.
A Table Comparing Retailers
| Retailer Type | Selection | Quality | Convenience | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Food Stores | Wide, Unique | High | Moderate | Higher |
| Online Baking Retailers | Moderate, Diverse | Moderate/High | High | Moderate |
| Supermarkets | Limited, Basic | Moderate | High | Lower |
| Ethnic Grocery Stores | Regional | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Chocolate Shops | Curated | High | Moderate | High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought nougat in any baking recipe?
Not necessarily. Always consider the texture and sweetness of the nougat and how it will interact with the other ingredients in your recipe. Experimentation is key!
What’s the difference between Italian torrone and Spanish turrón?
While both are nougat, Italian torrone is typically harder and more brittle, made with a high proportion of honey. Spanish turrón offers a wider range of textures, from hard to soft, often including different types of nuts and flavorings.
How do I prevent nougat from sticking to the knife when cutting it?
Chill the nougat in the refrigerator for a few minutes before cutting. You can also lightly grease the knife with butter or oil.
Can I make my own nougat for baking?
Yes, making your own nougat allows for complete control over the ingredients and flavor profile. However, it can be a challenging process requiring precise temperature control and careful technique.
How do I soften hard nougat for baking?
Wrap the nougat in a damp paper towel and microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overheat it.
What kind of recipes can I use nougat in?
Nougat can be incorporated into a wide variety of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, brittles, muffins, and fillings for chocolates.
Is nougat gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients. Some nougat varieties may contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour or glucose syrup derived from wheat. Always check the label.
How long does nougat last?
When stored properly, nougat can last for several months. The shelf life depends on the ingredients and storage conditions.
What are some common flavor pairings with nougat?
Nougat pairs well with chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, citrus zest, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Can I freeze nougat?
Yes, nougat can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use.
What’s the best type of nougat for adding to ice cream?
The softest type of nougat is most suitable for adding to ice cream, as it won’t become too hard when frozen. Vienna nougat also works exceptionally well as it maintains a soft texture.
Is nougat vegan?
Traditional nougat isn’t vegan, as it contains honey and egg whites. However, vegan nougat alternatives are available, using plant-based sweeteners and substitutes for egg whites, such as aquafaba.