Introduction: Nosebleed Nougat

About: I'm a Renaissance woman. I love to create things with a fantasy, medieval, or geeky edge. I'm also a math/science nerd. I have a passion for all things Halloween. I like to build props, create costume elements…

This is a simple nougat-style candy flavored to transform it into a muggle version of Nosebleed Nougat from Harry Potter fame.  In its magic fictional form, this candy is double-sided with the red side intended to cause nosebleeds and the other side halting them.  In this version, the red side delivers a blood-inspired flavor rather than a bloody nose.  It starts out tart and gets salty while delivering a hint of umami.  Opposite the red side is a nice vanilla banana flavor that's a pleasant counterpoint to the sensations created by the red.

Stock your very own Skiving Snackbox using these, some delightfully nauseating Puking Pastilles, and heat-inducing Fever Fudge.

Step 1: Supplies

1 jar marshmallow creme (7oz.)
powdered sugar
1 teas soy sauce (balsalmic vinegar makes a nice substitution here)
1 package unsweetened strawberry flavored drink mix (Kool-Aid or similar)
1 teas salt
red gel, paste, or powdered food coloring (optional)
1/2 teas vanilla extract
1`/2 teas banana extract
1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (variety of nuts is up to you)
Oil (spray preferred)
Foil

Step 2: Preparations

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce (or vinegar), drink mix, and salt. Set aside.

Line a cookie sheet or cutting board with foil, lightly coat the foil with oil, and set aside. Lightly oil the bowls and two working spoons (spoons are less sticky this way).

Divide the marshmallow creme into two medium microwave safe bowls.


Step 3: The White Side

Heat one half of the marshmallow in the microwave, about 20 seconds, to loosen it up.  Add the vanilla and banana extract to the heated marshmallow and stir to combine using an oiled spoon.

Add 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the marshmallow mix.  Stir to combine.  You'll need to use your hands to work it in well.  Grease your hands with a light coat of oil so it sticks to them less.  So if it won't mix further and looks like there is far too much powdered sugar, it's time to use your hands.  UKneed in all of the powdered sugar.  The desired consistency is like Play-doh (for those who aren't familiar with it, it's a play clay--not modeling clay).  It should come together and should be lose most of its stickiness.  Add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

Add 2 Tbsp nuts and use your hands to mix it in evenly.

Step 4: The Red Side

Add the soy sauce mixture to the other half of the heated marshmallow and stir to combine using the second oiled spoon. Stir to combine. It should be colored red. If the color is not dark enough, add food color to deepen the shade.

Add 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the marshmallow mix. Stir to combine. Grease you hands to work the powdered sugar into the marshmallow.  Continue to kneed until it is well mixed and the same consistency as the first half of the candy dough.

Add 2 Tbsp nuts and kneed to mix in.

Step 5: Finishing

Using oiled hands, form the white dough into one, two, or three logs, depending on the size candy you'd like.  I made a 24" long log here.  Repeat using the red dough to make the same number and size logs.

Press these logs down until they are about 1/2" high.  Using a little bit of water and either a paint brush or your fingertip, brush one side of the white dough with a very light coat of water.  The goal is to make it sticky again, not slimy.  With clean, dry hands, maneuver one of the logs into place next to the other so the wet side of the white dough is touching red dough.  Press these logs together from the side toward the center.  Then press down the tops of the logs to make them even and make sure they are firmly stuck.

It's easiest to cut them and/or shape the pieces right away.  You can cut them into strips, even roll them into two-sided logs.  However, I cut mine into diamonds.  When I was done cutting diagonally both ways to create the diamonds, I stuck the leftover triangles together by dampening one of the edges to be joined.

Allow to harden over night.  Flip the pieces over onto a new piece of foil, waxed paper, or parchment paper.  These can harden another day or two, or as long as you'd like to get the texture you desire before putting them into a closed container.  You can wrap the pieces in waxed paper squares if you'd like.

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