Pistachio Nougat

Upon reading Harry Potter (great series, by the way :), I was reminded of a delicious treat I enjoyed as a kid: nougat!  I immediately thought of making some so that my kids can taste this yummy treat.  It's actually quite easy to make and the result is phenomenal.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
-2 cups sugar
-1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 cup water
-2 egg whites
-1/2 tsp almond extract
-4 Tbs butter, softened
-1 cup toasted, shelled pistachios
Directions:
Cover an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil.  Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.
In a large sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water.  Stir until sugar dissolves.  Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until frothy.
Meanwhile, place egg whites in your mixer bowl.  Beat on high until they hold stiff peaks.  Pour about 1/4 of the sugar mixture, with the mixer running.
Return the rest of sugar mixture to the stove and boil for 5 more minutes.
With the mixer running, pour the remaining sugar syrup into the egg mixture.  Continue beating until mixture is thick and stiff.  Add the almond extract and the softened butter.  Beat until very thick and satiny.  Stir in the pistachios.
Spoon mixture into prepared pan.  Cool completely, then place in the fridge for about 1 hour.  Flip candy onto cutting board and cut into little pieces.  Wrap each piece into wax paper.  Store in the refrigerator.  Enjoy!