Nougat is a chewy, sweet confection made from sugar or honey mixed with nuts, whipped egg whites, and sometimes dried fruit. Traditional nougat often contains almonds or pistachios and has a soft, almost marshmallow-like texture that sticks to your teeth a bit when you bite into it.

The candy originated centuries ago in the Middle East and Mediterranean, where honey and nuts were plentiful. Today you'll find nougat in many candy bars: the white, chewy layer inside a Milky Way or 3 Musketeers bar is nougat. Some European versions, like Italian torrone or French nougat de Montélimar, are firmer and packed with whole nuts.

There are different types: white nougat stays pale and soft, while brown nougat (made without egg whites) becomes harder and more caramel-like. Making good nougat requires skill because the mixture must be whipped and cooked to just the right temperature, then shaped before it cools and hardens.