Chocolate Nougat Bars

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup corn syrup
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 egg whites
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 bags milk chocolate chips (12 oz bags)

Method 

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat, stirring, to boiling, then continue to cook, using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and form peaks. When the sugar mixture reaches 270°F, (soft crack), remove from the heat and pour the mixture in thin streams into the egg whites, blending completely with mixer set on low speed. Continue to mix until the candy begins to harden to the consistency of dough, about 20 minutes. At this point, add the semisweet chocolate chips. When the chocolate is thoroughly blended and the nougat has thickened, press it into a greased 9 by 9 inch pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, cut the candy in half down the middle of the pan. Then cut across into 7 segments to create a total of 14 bars.
Melt the milk chocolate chops in the microwave for 2 minutes on half powers, stirring halfway through the heating time. Melt completely, but be careful not to overheat. Resting a bar on a fork, dip each bar into the chocolate coat completely and place on wax paper. Cool until firm at room temperature, 1 to 2 hours.

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