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Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy

This Old-Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy is a delightful treat that combines the chewy goodness of gumdrops with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of homemade nougat. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, this candy is sure to bring back sweet memories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped gumdrops
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-ball stage (250-265°F or 121-129°C on a candy thermometer).
  3. While the syrup is cooking, beat egg whites with salt in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gradually pour the hot syrup in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites, beating constantly until the mixture is thick and glossy.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract, chopped gumdrops, and nuts (if using).
  6. Quickly spread the mixture into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
  7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For easier cutting, chill the nougat in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after it has cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.