The very moment we think about the Christmas, almost certainly, we bring to mind a memory or image that connects us to the magical period that begins on December 1stFor some, it may be time for decorations. Putting up the tree, the nativity scene, or placing colored lights and garlands. These are all pleasant activities that accompany us as we wait for December 25th. For others, the memory that resurfaces is that of grandma's (or grandpa's) hands in the dough preparing all those sweet treats. sweets which make it even more special most beautiful party of the year. My grandfather's fixed idea, for example, was to prepare, in large quantities, not the buccunotti or turdiddri. But 'a nuciata.
'A nuciata de Ntoni Marianu
The smell of the honey, the walnuts shelled one by one, patient hands geometrically cutting perfect rectangles to then wrap in small sheets of silver foil. A "ritual" for him, and consequently for me and my brother, his little helpers, which is still repeated today, despite his absence. Whether it was his idea or not is unknown. What is certain is that even today many remember it as 'A Nuciata 'and 'Ntoni MarianoSomething special? Of course! Walnuts and honey united to form some homemade nougatLet's see how!
Ingredients and preparation
For 1 kg of walnuts, you'll need about 500 g of honey. Once you've shelled the walnuts (this is the hard work), boil the honey for about five minutes over low heat. Add the walnuts and stir constantly until they blend with the honey and separate from the pan. This will take about 2 minutes. Then, pour the mixture onto a sheet of waxed paper (or parchment paper) and spread it evenly. Using a meat tenderizer, form a block about 2-3 cm thick. Let cool and cut into small pieces. Sprinkle the resulting nougat balls with sugar and wrap them in cake wrappers (or simply in aluminum foil). And voila!
