Café de Andalucía Turrón

A Sweet Spanish Delight With a Coffee Twist

Café de Andalucía Turrón is a delightful twist on the traditional Spanish turrón, infused with the rich essence of coffee. Originating from the regions of Spain where almonds are abundant, turrón has been a part of Spanish culture and festivities for centuries. This variation combines the classic nougat texture with the bold flavors of coffee, offering a modern take on a beloved classic.

History of Turrón

Turrón is believed to have been introduced to Spain by the Moors during their eight hundred-year rule. Its popularity soared, especially in the regions of Alicante and Jijona, where it became a traditional Christmas treat. Turrón was originally made using honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds, ingredients that were readily available in Spain.

Ingredients

• Almonds - 300 grams
• Sugar - 250 grams
• Honey - 200 grams
• Egg Whites - 2 large
• Instant Coffee - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 3 tablespoons
• Unsalted Butter - for greasing

Preparation

1. First, toast the almonds until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool, then chop them coarsely.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee in water and set aside.

Making the Turrón Mixture

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and honey. Cook on low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Carefully increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until the mixture reaches the hard-ball stage (about 125°C or 257°F). You can check this using a cooking timer to ensure precision.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the honey and sugar mixture, followed by the dissolved instant coffee.
5. Continue to stir the mixture frequently until it thickens and becomes pale in color.

Forming the Turrón

1. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the chopped almonds.
2. Grease a rectangular mold with unsalted butter and pour in the warm mixture, patting it down evenly.
3. Allow the turrón to cool at room temperature before refrigerating it for several hours or until firm.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the turrón into pieces and serve it alongside freshly brewed Spanish coffee for a harmonious blend of flavors. It's an ideal dessert for festive occasions or as a decadent treat. For additional texture, you can dip the edges of the turrón slices into melted dark chocolate.

Whether enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a standalone indulgence, Café de Andalucía Turrón provides a taste of Spanish tradition with a contemporary twist.