Modern Nut Bars

Ingredients

• 1.33 cups Mixed Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) (Roughly chopped)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 0.5 cup Confectioners' Sugar
• 0.25 cup Blanched Almonds (Finely chopped)
• 6 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 0.25 cup Salted Peanuts (Optional, for Peanut Nougat flavor)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan. Spread the chopped mixed nuts evenly across the bottom of the pan.
2. 2In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely melted and has a smooth, amber color. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes. If adding salted peanuts for a peanut nougat flavor, stir them in now.
3. 3Pour the melted sugar evenly over the nuts in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the sugar is bubbly and golden brown.
4. 4While the nut mixture is baking, prepare the French Nougat. In a separate saucepan, melt the confectioners' sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until melted. Add the finely chopped blanched almonds and stir to combine. Pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled marble or silicone mat. Fold the mixture with a broad-bladed knife, keeping it constantly in motion until slightly cooled. Divide into four parts and shape into long rolls about 1/3 inch in diameter. Let cool completely.
5. 5Remove the baked nut mixture from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into bars.
6. 6Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Dip the cooled nut bars (or pieces of French Nougat) into the melted chocolate, and place on oiled parchment paper to set. For a decorative touch, draw a two-tined fork across the top of each bar to create a ridge.
7. 7Drop small spoonfuls of the French Nougat mixture onto oiled parchment paper immediately after removing from heat. Let cool completely. Dip in melted chocolate if desired.