Vanilla Nut Easter Egg Candy
Easter Candy - Chocolate Easter Candy - Candy Recipe

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This wonderful candy recipe and photo were shared with me by my sister, Carol Arroyo, and her website called The Baking Pan. Creamy milk chocolate covers these Easter eggs with a soft walnut nougat center. The nougat is a basic divinity recipe made extra rich with the addition of white chocolate.

Vanilla Nut Easter Egg Candy Recipe

Recipe Type: Candy, Chocolate, Easter
Yields: makes many
Prep time: 45 min

Ingredients:

Candy Centers (see recipe below)
Chocolate Coating (see recipe below)
Royal Icing, optional (check out Carol's web page on making Royal Icing)

Preparation:

Prepare Candy Centers and refrigerate until well chilled.

Prepared Chocolate Coating. When the chocolate has set on the candy eggs, decorate with Royal Icing if desired.

Makes approximately 2 dozen candy Easter eggs.

Candy Centers:
Before beginning to make the candy, have all ingredients prepared and ready to use.

2 large egg whites
2 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (8 ounces) white chocolate, broken into small pieces
1 cup walnut or pecans, coarsely chopped

Line a large Cookie Sheet with Parchment Paper or line with Silicone Baking Mats; set aside.

In a large bowl using your Electric Mixer, beat egg whites just until soft peaks form; turn mixer off and set aside.

In a medium-size, heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Clip a thermometer to the inside of the pan, raise the heat temperature to medium high, and continue to cook, without stirring. The sugar mixture will cook until it reaches a temperature of 260 degrees F.

This is the type of cooking and meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking. I get many readers asking what cooking/meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking, baking, and deep frying. I, personally, use the Thermapen Thermometer shown in the photo on the right. Originally designed for professional users, the Super-Fast Thermapen Thermometer is used by chefs all over the world. To learn more about this excellent thermometer and to also purchase one (if you desire), just click on the underlined: Thermapen Thermometer.

As the temperature of the sugar mixture reaches 245 to 250 degrees F., resume beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form; turn mixer off and set aside.

When the temperature of the sugar mixture reaches 260 degrees F., immediately remove the pan from the heat. Immediately start pouring the hot sugar mixture, in a thin steady stream, into the beaten egg whites, while beating with an electric mixer at high speed.

Slowly add the vanilla extract and continue beating at high speed until the candy changes from a smooth shiny texture to a rough dull texture. This will take approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

As soon as the texture changes to the rough dull texture, slow the electric mixer to a medium speed and add the white chocolate pieces, stirring until the chocolate is melted and well mixed in. Add the nuts and stir until combined. NOTE: The candy will be stiff and difficult to stir. If necessary, turn the mixture out onto a board and knead with your hands to mix the nuts into the candy.

Using your hands, shape candy into egg shapes, about 2-inches in diameter. Place the candy eggs on the prepared Cookie Sheet, cover and refrigerate until well chilled, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
 

Chocolate Coating:
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Royal Icing (optional)

Learn different techniques for How To Melt Chocolate.