Nougatina is a delightful combination of meringue and nougat.

It's a heavenly treat to the taste buds. This is the easiest recipe to make while making you look as if you are a master chef baker and have laboured in the kitchen all day. 

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 200g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup dates, chopped
• 1 tsp baking powder (use ¼ tsp to sprinkle over the dates)
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 12 cream crackers or other neutral biscuits, roughly broken
• 500ml (or 1 liter for extra indulgence) fresh cream, whipped
• Frozen berries for topping (or fresh, if available)

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla extract for the cream
• scoop of ice cream on top
• Chopped chocolate for added decadence

Method:

1. Prepare Meringue Base:

- Preheat oven to 180°C, then lower to 150°C once the meringue is in.
- Line a baking tray with a well-greased silicone baking sheet or baking paper (or bake directly on a greased ceramic platter).
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and holds firm peaks.
- Gently fold in the dates, walnuts, and cracker pieces.

2. Shape and Bake:

- Spread the meringue mixture into a 20cm circle (or a long rectangle) on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 150°C for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the meringue to cool inside for 10 minutes.

3. Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, whip the cream (add a splash of vanilla if desired). If you’ve whipped it earlier, you can drain any liquid that separates.
- Dollop the whipped cream generously over the meringue and scatter with berries.
- For extra flair, add a sprinkle of chopped chocolate or serve with a scoop of ice cream.

This Nougatina is sure to shine with its elegant look and flavour-packed crunch—no wonder it’s a famous crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!