Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies

This candy is one of the favorites made around the Holidays in many areas across the country. It has been given many different names. The names often change, but ingredients all remain about the same.

Most often the nuts that are used are pecans, but the choice is yours, you could use pecans, walnuts, almonds or peanuts.

There are a couple tips that I would suggest, such as do not make this if you do not have a candy thermometer. The thermometer will help assure you that the candy is at the right stage of cooking.

I also made sure that my other half was available to help me when it came to stirring the mix. He is better at repetition than I am.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Are these candies just caramel with nuts?

Kind of, but not quite. Oklahoma Sooner Candy has more flavor to them than just caramel.

            How do I store these candies?

The candy should be kept in an airtight container with waxed paper or parchment paper between the layers.

            How long does this candy stay fresh?

As long as this candy is kept in an airtight container, the candies should stay fresh and not become dry and hard for at least a week.

What do you need to make Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies

            1 tsp Vanilla

            ¼ tsp Baking Soda

            6 cups Sugar, divided

            2 cups heavy cream

            ½ cup Butter, unsalted

            1 ½ cups Pecans, chopped

How to make Oklahoma Sooner Nut Candies

FIRST STEP:

Liberally grease a 9×13 pan

In a saucepan with a heavy bottom, add 2 cups of sugar and cook over low heat stirring continuously

a)

b)

SECOND STEP:

Cook for 20 minutes, the sugar should be melted within this time

When the sugar has cooked down add the remaining sugar and the heavy cream to the saucepan while stirring continuously

Raise the heat and cook until the temperature of the mix reaches 244*

Remove from the heat and stir in the baking soda until it is completely combined

Then add the vanilla and the butter. Continue stirring until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth

a)

b)

c)

d)

Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes

After 20 minutes stir in the nuts and stir until the sheen is gone

THIRD STEP:

Place the mixture in the prepared pan

Let cool 1 to 2 hours, or overnight if possible

Cut into small squares to serve

Enjoy!

YUM!