Nougat Noir

• 1½ cups shelled almonds and hazelnuts, cut in half (do not remove the skins)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sweet butter

Place the almonds on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350° oven for about 5 minutes. Reserve in the warm oven.

Butter two long and narrow bread pans, or if you own one, a wooden nougat mold, and line with baker’s wafer (available at candy supply stores) or waxed paper (butter this also).

Heat the honey in a heavy-bottomed pan made of copper, castiron or enamel. Stir with a long