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- 2 cups raw almonds - 1 cup honey - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large egg whites - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Zest of 1 lemon - Edible rice paper Soft Italian torrone is a sweet treat made with simple ingredients. The key ingredient is raw almonds, which give torrone its nutty flavor. You want to use fresh almonds for the best taste. Honey adds a rich sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Granulated sugar is also important. It creates the right texture and helps the torrone set. Next, egg whites are vital. They provide lightness and airy texture. Whipping the egg whites adds volume. Vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet flavor. A touch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, lemon zest adds a bright note to the dish. You also need edible rice paper to line your pan. It prevents sticking and adds a unique touch. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start. This will make your cooking process smooth and fun. For the full recipe, check out the details above! - Toasting the almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 cups of raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool and then chop coarsely. - Making the sugar syrup: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. Wait until it reaches 250°F (121°C), the hard-ball stage. - Whipping egg whites: In a large bowl, add 2 large egg whites. Use an electric mixer on high speed to whip them until they form stiff peaks. Once you see peaks, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip for one more minute. - Combining syrup with egg whites: Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites. Do this slowly while you mix. Keep mixing for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will thicken and look glossy. - Folding in almonds and zest: Gently fold in the toasted almonds and zest of 1 lemon. Make sure they are spread evenly in the fluffy mixture. - Transferring to the pan and setting: Line a 9x9 inch baking dish with edible rice paper. Pour the torrone mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Top it with another layer of rice paper. Let it cool at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or overnight for the best texture. This step-by-step guide will lead you to make soft Italian torrone at home with ease. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. To make soft Italian torrone, using a candy thermometer is key. It helps you track the sugar syrup's temperature. When the syrup hits about 250°F (121°C), you reach the hard-ball stage. This is the sweet spot for the right texture. If you skip this step, your torrone might be too hard or too soft. Cooling time is just as important. Once you pour the mixture into the pan, let it cool at room temperature. I recommend letting it rest overnight. This longer cooling time allows the torrone to firm up properly. If you cut it too soon, it may fall apart. When serving soft Italian torrone, presentation matters. Place the pieces on a decorative platter to catch the eye. You can garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or dust them with powdered sugar. Both options add a nice pop of color and a touch of elegance. For a fun twist, consider pairing your torrone with dessert wines or coffee. This combination enhances the flavors and adds to the experience. You can also wrap pieces in colorful paper for gifts. Everyone loves a sweet treat, especially one that's beautifully presented. {{image_4}} You can make your soft Italian torrone even more exciting. One way is by adding different nuts. Hazelnuts and pistachios are great choices. They add unique flavors and textures. You can also mix in some of your favorite nuts. This creates a fun twist on the classic recipe. Another way to enhance the flavor is to use extracts. Almond extract gives a warm, nutty taste. Orange extract adds a fresh, zesty note. Just a small amount can make a big difference. Experiment with different flavors to find what you love best! Pairing your soft Italian torrone with drinks can elevate the experience. Dessert wines like Moscato or Vin Santo match well with the sweetness. If you prefer coffee, a rich espresso is a perfect choice. The bold flavors of the coffee balance the sweetness of the torrone. You can also create beautiful gift packages with your torrone. Slice it into squares and wrap them in pretty paper. Add a ribbon for a special touch. These homemade treats make great gifts for friends and family. They are sure to impress anyone who receives them! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to get started on this delightful treat! To keep your Soft Italian Torrone fresh, use an airtight container. This prevents air from making it dry. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Avoid using metal containers, as they can affect the taste. Store the torrone in a cool, dry place. Humid air can make the torrone sticky. If possible, keep it away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain its perfect texture. Soft Italian Torrone can last up to three weeks if stored properly. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last a little longer, about four weeks. However, the texture may change slightly. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or a change in color, it’s best to throw it away. If the torrone feels very hard or dry, it may not taste good. Always check it before serving. Soft Italian torrone is a chewy candy made with nuts and sugar. It has a light and airy texture, thanks to the whipped egg whites. The flavors blend sweet honey, vanilla, and zesty lemon. The toasted almonds give a nice crunch. It’s a treat enjoyed during holidays or special occasions. Yes, you can make soft torrone without egg whites. Use aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as an alternative. Whip aquafaba just like egg whites. It will give a similar fluffy texture. Some recipes even use gelatin for firmness. Experiment with these options to find what you like best. You can find soft Italian torrone in local Italian markets. Many grocery stores carry it during holidays. If you prefer online shopping, check sites like Amazon or specialty food retailers. They often have various brands and flavors to choose from. To check if your torrone is set, gently press the surface with your finger. If it feels firm and springs back, it's ready. You can also use a knife to cut a small piece. If it holds its shape, it has set well. Allow it to cool for at least six hours for the best texture. Making Soft Italian Torrone is a fun and rewarding process. We covered the key ingredients, like almonds, honey, and egg whites, that make this treat unique. Through step-by-step instructions, you learned to create the perfect base and assemble your sweet creation. We shared tips for the right texture and elegant presentation ideas. Remember, variations can elevate your torrone even more. Proper storage helps keep it fresh for longer. Now, it’s time to enjoy your delicious results and impress friends and family with your homemade treat!

- Soft Italian Torrone

Discover the sweet taste of Italy with this Delicate Soft Italian Torrone recipe! Made with raw almonds, honey, and a touch of lemon zest, this traditional treat is perfect for sharing. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to whip up a delicious batch that will impress family and friends. Click through for full instructions and present your homemade torrone in style for a delightful treat or gift!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups raw almonds

1 cup honey

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large egg whites

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Zest of 1 lemon

Edible rice paper (for lining)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Almonds: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds evenly over a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color and emit a nutty aroma. Once toasted, allow them to cool slightly before coarsely chopping.

    Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the honey and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. For precision, attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and monitor the temperature closely until it reaches about 250°F (121°C), the hard-ball stage.

      Whip the Egg Whites: While the sugar syrup is reaching temperature, take a large mixing bowl and add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks. Once the peaks are achieved, incorporate the salt and vanilla extract into the egg whites and whip for an additional minute until well combined.

        Combine Ingredients: When the sugar syrup has reached the desired temperature, carefully and gradually pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat the mixture. Continue to mix for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the torrone base thickens and develops a glossy texture.

          Fold in Almonds: Gently fold the toasted almonds and lemon zest into the fluffy mixture, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout.

            Transfer to Pan: Prepare a square or rectangular baking dish (about 9x9 inches) by lining it with edible rice paper. Pour the torrone mixture into the lined dish and spread it evenly across the surface with a spatula. To complete the layering, cover the top with another sheet of rice paper.

              Set the Torrone: Allow the torrone to cool completely at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or for the best results, let it rest overnight. This cooling period is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

                Cut and Serve: Once the torrone has fully set and is firm to the touch, carefully remove it from the dish. Using a sharp knife, cut the torrone into squares or rectangles.

                  - Prep Time: 30 minutes

                    - Total Time: 10 hours (including cooling)

                      - Servings: 16-20 pieces

                        Presentation Tips: Serve the torrone pieces on a decorative platter, optionally garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.