Almond Bars

What pairs more perfectly than chocolate and almonds? These candy bars are a great alternative to store-bought candy and you will impress friends and guests with this delectable recipe.

Yields: 14

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 egg whites, beaten until stiff
• 35 caramels
• 2/3 cup whole roasted almonds
• 24 ounces milk chocolate morsels

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup of the water, and the salt. Heat to boiling, lower heat and simmer until mixture reaches 270 degrees F or the soft-crack stage.
    
2. Remove from heat and pour the mixture in a thin stream into the egg whites, blending steadily with an electric mixer. Continue to beat for an additional 20 minutes, or until the mixture begins to harden and thickens to the consistency of dough. Stir in the almonds.
    
3. Press the nougat into a greased 9x9-inch pan and chill until firm. Melt the caramels with 2 tablespoons water in a double boiler. Pour the caramel over the nougat and return the pan to the refrigerator.
    
4. When the caramel and nougat are firm, slice down the middle of the pan with a sharp knife, and then slice across into 7 segments to make a total of 14 bars. Melt the milk chocolate morsels. Dip each bar into the chocolate to coat completely and tap against the side of the bowl to knock off excess chocolate. Place on waxed paper and let cool at room temperature until the chocolate is firm, 1 to 2 hours. 

Notes

See this recipe and more in 35 Homemade Halloween Treats.