Almond Nougat

• light corn syrup↗1 1⁄2 cups
• sugar↗2 cups
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• water↗1⁄4 cup
• egg whites↗2
• almond extract↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• red food coloring or green food coloring↗
• soft butter or 1/4 cup margarine1⁄4 cup
• toasted chopped almonds1 cup
• chopped candied cherry1⁄4 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix first 4 ingredients in heavy saucepan.

2. 2

   Cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.

3. 3

   Cook,without stirring, until a small amount of the mixture dropped in cold water forms a hard ball (250-f).

4. 4

   Beat egg whites until stiff, but not dry, in large bowl of electric mixer.

5. 5

   Gradually beat in about one fourth (not more) of the syrup and continue beating until mixture holds its shape.

6. 6

   Cook remaining syrup until a small amount of mixture separates into hard and brittle threads when dropped in cold water (300-f) gradually beat into first mixture, and continue beating until the mixture begins to hold its shape.

7. 7

   Add flavoring and food coloring to tint a delicate shade.

8. 8

   Beat in butter; continue beating until very thick and satiny.

9. 9

   Stir in nuts and cherries.

10. 10

    Press into a buttered 8x8x2" pan, smoothing top.

11. 11

    Let stand until firm.

12. 12

    Turn out of pan, and cut in 1 1/2" by 1" pieces.

13. 13

    Wrap each piece individually in waxed paper.

14. 14

    For best flavor, store several days in a cool place before serving.