Ingredients from A to Z

Nougat is a sweet confectionery paste made from sugar or honey, roasted nuts, and egg whites. There are two main types, white nougat (soft and airy, typical of Italian torrone) and dark nougat (denser, made with cocoa or chocolate, popular in confectionery). It is used as a filling for chocolate sweets, candy bars, and cakes, as well as enjoyed on its own as a treat. It has a characteristic sweet, mildly nutty flavour. In Mediterranean cuisine it has a long tradition, Italian torrone and Spanish turrón are among the best-known varieties. In cooking it is added to desserts, ice creams, and pralines.

Nougat sweets are popular confections based on a nougat filling, a mixture of sugar, nuts, and egg whites. They are typically coated in chocolate or sugar glaze, which contrasts nicely with the sweet, airy centre. They belong to a long tradition of European sweets and can be found in various forms under names such as torrone or turrón. In the kitchen they are enjoyed not only on their own but also as decoration for cakes and pastries, or as an ingredient in desserts, ice creams, and sweet bakes. Their rich sweetness with a subtle nutty undertone is loved by children and adults alike.

Nut nougat is a sweet confectionery paste prepared from sugar or honey, egg whites and crushed nuts, most commonly hazelnuts or almonds. It has a light beige to golden colour and a gently chewy consistency. It is a popular filling for chocolates, pralines and confectionery boxes, and is widely used in marzipan and nougat bars. In home baking it is added to cake fillings, Christmas confectionery or as a layer in chocolate slices. It differs from dark chocolate nougat in that it has a pronounced nutty flavour without a significant cocoa note.

Nut syrup is a sweet liquid flavouring with a rich nutty taste, most commonly made from hazelnuts or almonds. It is primarily used in coffee, cocktails, lemonades and other drinks, where it replaces plain sugar while adding complex aromatic notes. In the kitchen it also works as an ingredient in desserts, baked goods, pancakes or ice cream. The nutty flavour pairs beautifully with chocolate, vanilla and coffee. Varieties available on the market include hazelnut, walnut, macadamia and praline. Thanks to its intense taste, only a small amount is needed to achieve a noticeable effect.

Nutella is a world-famous hazelnut and cocoa spread launched in 1964 by the Italian company Ferrero. It is made from sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, skimmed milk powder, and vanillin. It has a characteristically sweet chocolate-hazelnut flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. In the kitchen it is primarily used as a spread on bread, toast, or pancakes. It also serves as a filling for crepes, croissants, muffins, and desserts, or as an ingredient in chocolate creams and ice creams. It is especially popular with children and ranks among the best-selling spreads in the world.

Nutmeg is the seed of the tropical nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), grown mainly in Indonesia, Grenada and other tropical regions. It has a characteristic warm, sweetly spiced and slightly woody aroma and flavour. In the kitchen it is used grated or ground in béchamel, mashed potatoes, spinach, soups, meat dishes, as well as Christmas baked goods, mulled wine and eggnog. For the best aroma, it is recommended to grate the whole nut just before use. It is one of the oldest traded spices in the world.

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast that contains no live cultures and does not cause leavening. It is known for its distinctive cheesy, nutty flavour and is especially popular in plant-based cooking as a substitute for parmesan or cheese-like aroma. It is most commonly sold as yellow flakes or a fine powder. It works great sprinkled over pasta, popcorn, salads or soups, and can be stirred into sauces, spreads or vegan cheeses. It is a rich source of B vitamins, particularly B12, and provides all essential amino acids, making it an excellent dietary supplement for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.

Ořechy jsou výživné plody nebo semena různých stromů, nejčastěji vlašských, lískových, mandlových, kešu nebo pistáciových. Bohaté jsou na zdravé tuky, bílkoviny, vlákninu, vitaminy E a B a minerály jako hořčík a zinek. V kuchyni jsou velmi univerzální, konzumují se syrové jako svačina, opražené na salátech, drcené do pečiva, mleté na pasty nebo použité celé jako dekorace dezertů. Dodávají charakteristickou ořechovou chuť a křupavou texturu. Tvoří základ pesta, pralinek, nugátu a různých ořechových náplní. Skvěle se kombinují s čokoládou, medem, sýry a bylinkami.